Still Very Timely!

I'm going to discuss the ending in vague language coming up, so watch out if you haven't seen this film!!!!
There was, for a short time, a cult around Reeves, a troubled young director who killed himself. This is for a good reason.
This film's overtly pessimistic tone transcends even it's label as a horror film, which it fails to be. It's more a historical thriller.
Upon first seeing it, I found the ending so disturbing because it challenges the viewer. It made the thrill of watching a "revenge plot" feel so sick and twisted. It screams out, "Is this what you wanted to see, you sick-os? Is this action just?!"
This was a few years before the 70s brought the 'Standing Tall' and 'Death Wish' narratives of violent fantasies of revenge to the forefront. We've always had this idea of a just revenge in genre fiction and films.
This film's remarkable climax asks if that is a dangerous idea.
This film makes you realize violence just creates more violence and that creates more. It is about society-funded violence - circles of violence and death during war time.
It would be the PERFECT film to watch and study today with students!!! Government sanctioned torture is such an important issue right now. What is this film saying about that idea?
It's low-budget and clunky at times, but it's message is still striking and important. And that ending . . . good God does that stay with you!
Reeves really could've become an important artist if he lived. What's hiding beneath the surface of this film is really remarkable.
Shame on Sony for not releasing it!