Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Ninth Gate’

Written by Scott Edwards

As a book enthusiast, I am always looking for a great deal for my next read. Not always being able to find the first editions of all of my favorites may leave me longing, but I believe that the true value is found within the pages of these masterpieces, not in the rarity of the book. The power that comes off of the written page could be more than you could ever imagine, as books can take you to places you have never expected to go in your life time. For some of us, this is enough, for others it is all about the money.

For rare book dealer Dean Corso, the latter is the case.  Looking to make the most money for his efforts, Corso is a vulture in his industry, paying the least amount of cash for the most sought-after editions. Knowing this, Corso is hired by Boris Balkan to verify the authenticity of his newly prized possession, The Nine Gates of The Kingdom of Shadows. The history of this book dates back centuries as it was written back in 1666 and the author was accused of collaborating with the devil and burned during the Holy Inquisition, along with all of his works. Only three books were known to have survived. This is where Corso’s job begins, but what stands in store for him may be much more than he bargained for.

Seeing unfamiliar faces and people following him, Corso takes his client's book and stashes it in the safest place he knows, a rare book shop owned by his friend. Finding his apartment all torn up, as if someone was looking for something, Corso is met by a woman who is looking for something much greater than himself. She tries to take the book back by force, but with his suspicions running high, and with it not being in his possession, he is able to escape the attack. Returning to his friend’s book shop to retrieve the rare edition, Corso is shocked to see his friend hanging from the rafters. After getting the book back he starts his trip to Europe, Portugal and France to be precise, and Corso begins to fight his main challenge, belief, along the way.

The Ninth Gate takes you on a spectacular journey as Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) travels through Europe to find what Balkan (Frank Langella) has paid him to do. The Nine Gates is less than a normal book, being written for one purpose and one alone, to raise the Devil. Corso works as hard as possible, researching the demonic text and comparing it against the other two remaining copies, but an onslaught of opposition may keep him from completing his task without some help. A young woman follows him during his travels and always appears to be in the right place at the right time. Not willing to give Corso an honest answer to who she is or why she is following him, she seems to be his angel in disguise. 

Just a great thriller/horror story and one of my personal favorites. Having a book dealer actually open up a book and see what is housed on the pages makes me smile. The power of The Nine Gates is more than any one person should ever acquire but putting in the grunt work to find out the truth is why an individual should be rewarded. With enough twists and turns to keep you interested, and strange deaths surrounding the quest, you are left to wonder who is watching and helping Corso on his adventure. If you find a clue that is meant to be found, is it really a clue or a sign? Keep an eye out for little changes in things, some may be what you are looking for, others may be just a bit more. Stay Scared.

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