the vampire movie database
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| Release date: | 2003 USA | Running time: | 98' (cover 98') - Source: DVD (RC 2/PAL) | Rating: | Germ.: 16; UK: 15; US: R | ||||
| Main Crew: |
Director: Michael D. Sellers Producer: Basra Entertainment / Quantum Entertainment / Moviebank Score: Christopher Field Writer: Michael D. Sellers / Tony Shawkat (Story Concept) Director of photography: Viorel Sergovici |
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Cast: |
| Summary: |
Whether or not one believes vampires ever existed, the blood-curdling fact is that in 15th Century Romania, Vlad The Impaler launched a reign of terror so horrific, literally skewering countless victims through the body and skull, that he is viewed by many as the source of the vampire 'myth'. | In the heart of the remote Carpathian mountains of Romania, four international graduate students begin a journey of historical discovery. But one of them bears a secret which will unleash a force of unparalleled evil upon them - an evil that will take lives, and which will change the survivors forever� In Bucharest, Professor Adrian Cracium (Billy Zane) and University Dean Hyman Radescu (Brad Dourif) learn that one of the students about to enter Romania on a special study program may be bringing with her an ancient artifact - a rumored necklace buried in Vlad's (Francesco Quinn) tomb, an evil so powerful it can transcend time and space - which could trigger a violent schism in a secret society of which they are both members. Note: |
- The feature directorial debut of former CIA Officer Michael Sellers (who served in Poland, Ethiopia, Moscow, and the Philippines during a ten-year period beginning in 1980). |
- Francesco Quinn (as Vlad), son of Oscar winner Anthony Quinn, is perhaps best known for his portrayal of underground drug king Rhah in Oliver Stone's Academy Award winning feature Platoon (1986).
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short review: A mix of historical facts about Vlad Tepes and modern vampire-movies, shot in the Carpathians - this might become interesting. And for an independent/low budget movie the result has been quite good. Beautifully shot, with a thrilling (from time to time not very logical) story-line and quite acceptable actors. What is bugging me, are those mentioned illogical story-elements. In the middle of a wood, a "time traveller" appears out of nowhere, broadsword in hand, who speaks Old English only� and no one wonders the slightest bit. And of course one of the students falls in love with her right away!? If the story-line had been more worked out, this movie would have been a real recommendation� but alas, this way it only stays mediocre entertainment.  |
