Worst Movie Going Experience: From Miniseries Madness to Theater Magic

As a seasoned theater-goer, I have encountered a myriad of unique and sometimes unforgettable experiences. From crown jewel theaters to smaller, peculiar venues, every venue has its own charm and shortcomings. While there may be no bad theaters, there are surely some memorable (and at times, truly awful) productions that tested the limits of my patience.

A "Cineplex" Mishap in Montreal

Back in the 1970s, a company called Cineplex revolutionized the movie experience with their "mini-cinemas" – small auditoriums packed into undersized spaces. While Cineplex is still thriving today with larger auditoriums, one particular venue in Montreal stands out as a prime example of the worst theater experience.

I recall attending a screening of Apollo 13 in a theater that held around 40 people. The experience was far from ideal. The small space felt cramped, and the air was stiflingly hot. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, it was particularly glaring given the grandeur of the theater's surroundings – an office building attached to Montreal's extensive underground city. The theater was conveniently located near the McGill Metro Station, yet the atmosphere was far from upscale.

Germany's Frozen annonces

The small cinema in a small town in Germany during the winter of 1981 serves as a reminder of the grittier aspects of moviegoing. This tiny venue, not originally designed as a cinema, displayed movies that were either cheap or far behind their theatrical run dates due to budget constraints. The building, with its windows, managed to breathe some life into the otherwise dim space with the help of wooden frames. The cinema’s spirit, while admirable, was somewhat marred by the lack of heating.

To make matters worse, the building's basement housed a disco. This meant that the movie experience was further enhanced by the steady beats of "BOOM BOOM BOOM" emanating from the floor below. The staircase leading to the cinema was treacherously steep, making the journey up and down a risky endeavor. Adding to our challenges, we had to brave a particularly cold winter to make it to the screening.

Waiting for the Magic

With no car and no drivers, my younger brother rented a small bike to navigate the 6 kilometers to the cinema. Unfortunately, I lacked the nerve for an unlicensed route. We arrived bundled up against the bitter cold, only to be greeted with a chilly reception. At the cashier, we were informed of a strange movie-watching tradition: we had to wait if the number of viewers did not meet a certain threshold. Unfortunately, there were only four more people who arrived just in time, leading to a grand total of six. We stood in line, shivering and biting our teeth to block out the noise from the basement disco. Despite our cold and discomfort, the story of Kagemusha captivated us completely, as only a great film can do. We forget about the discomfort and the noise, lost in the wonder of the movie.

The Unforgettable and the Unheard

The experience in that small German cinema added a layer to the film that makes Kagemusha an unforgettable cinematic experience. The theater's makeshift nature only served to enhance the magic of the movie itself. However, it is a reminder that sometimes, the best movies are best seen in the best venues. It is a testament to Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece and the power of cinema to transcend its surroundings.

So, if you plan to watch Kagemusha, it is best to catch it in a proper cinema. That said, the memory of our frozen but magical experience in that tiny German theater is a testament to the enduring power of a great film and the enduring allure of the moviegoing experience, no matter the venue.