If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Make no mistake: This film has low ratings because its script, acting and direction is flawed to the point of ridiculousness. It has very few redeeming factors...if any. It promotes itself as cultural and diverse when all it really does is attempt to get on the non-Hollywood horror bandwagon after a slew of foreign 'subtle' horrors that both precede and exceed it! I am a fan of 'subtle' horrors...foreign or no. I do not believe you need extreme bloodshed and shock to make a good movie...although I do not deny the pull of such tactics. I like shock horrors AND creepy horrors. This film, however, tries much too hard to slot itself into a pigeon-hole that it does not belong in...and to be honest...does not deserve the right to try. Many 'subtle' horrors before this terrible crime on entertainment have left the likes of "The Tattooist" in the back seat, and many since...and for good reason. "The Tattooist" is boring, pointless and quite frankly; crap! It's good for background noise during a film night where the film doesn't matter since all you want to do is talk about your week. But if you're looking for a movie that will both keep you entertained AND take you out of the room? You can do better than this; believe me. Now go get yourself a real movie...not this weak sauce!

The movie opens up with father helling at son (Jake) for getting a tattoo and then father then cut the tattoo of his Arm with a Knife.Then the movie fast forward to 20 or more years and we Jake who now has tattoos all over his body and has become A Tatooist.Then he find a other place that all do tattoos in different way as steals the stick and it cut himself with stick., then he start get have strange dreams and start seeing thing, they something killing the people he gave the tattoos too.This was a really interesting horror movie, When i first heard about this movie i thinking it something like The Denstist. I thinking The Tattooist was going to be killer. but it was total different.Which is a really good thing, there was really good acting in this movie from everyone in the movie., some of the deaths were really good , that one really creepy scenes which i can not not mention(I not going to much) The scenes hospital was really creepy and nasty as the same times, was great made scene.A really good horror movie, I give this movie 7 out of 10

This was an interesting movie. An American tattoo artist finds himself a bit too intrigued by the Somoan art of tattooing, and along the way finds himself, and his tattooed customers, the grim focus of a spiteful spirit, all stemming from his ill-advised "borrowing" of a tainted Samoan tattoo tool. I highly enjoyed this movie, but must caveat that I'm completely enthralled by all things Polynesia, so I am probably very forgiving of any negative elements of the movie. Polynesia notwithstanding, the story was creative, and certainly a break from normal American horror fare. Good (enough) acting, strong production values and interesting scenery make this a highly recommended film.

"The Tattooist" tells the story of an American tattoo artist Jake Sawyer,who is a global wanderer who explores ethnic themes in his designs.While he is in New Zealand he unknowingly plays a role in releasing a deadly spirit with a penchant for delivering death by indelible ink as he attempts to learn tatau,the Samoan tradition of tattooing.Tatau is a traditional tattoo worn by males,on the middle of their torsos,starting just below the lat area and continues down to the knees."The Tattooist" has some impressive moments of horror among many boring spots,where literally nothing happens.The film's subject is unusual as is the cultural context and the death scenes are suitably graphic.Unfortunately the character of Jake is barely developed and the first half of the film is pretty dull.6 out of 10.