As a fan of independant films, I expect some sort of originality and a unique approach to the story. The fact that this has the vampire aspect about it could have made it just like all of the other hundreds of vampire movies out there. But I was pleasantly surprised when I saw VLAD. The story gives the viewer a little history lesson about how the whole Dracula phenomenon started. I for one, had no idea that Dracula is based off of Vlad the Impaler, a real life terror to people during the 15th century. This wasn't a movie about a blood-sucking monster but rather about 4 students who go to Romania to research different aspects of the myth that surrounds Vlad. Without giving away too much of the story, I'll just say that it was a very different and interesting take on the vampire myth. The first thing I noticed about this film was how breathtaking the cinematography was. Shot in the Carpathian mountains, the outdoor scenes are absolutely beautiful. Between the scenery and the musical score alone, I found the film to be very haunting and realistic. This film is the first for the director and was independantly done which means low-budget. I'm amazed because it looks so beautiful and better than some big-budget features that are out in theaters right now. I definately recommend this to anyone who wants to see a unique and different approach to a film that isn't about vampires but about a myth that has love, devotion, and ultimately vengeance.

I was lucky enough to catch this film at a screening in Los Angeles and enjoyed it immensely. What I liked most was the way the film blends all the classic elements in a traditional vampire film, but remains unique in its approach. Rather than relying on blood and gore, it portrays Vlad the Impaler as more than a monster. We're shown glimpses of his past and quickly empathize with his pain, even as we're terrified by his brutality.
The love stories woven into the film and the pace at which it's told keep you emotionally invested and on the edge of your seat. The tone and feel of romance, aided by the beautiful backdrop of the Carpathian mountains, is undeniable and moving.
The film carefully balances love and anguish while merging past and present worlds. Even though it's set in modern day, the film shows how we as people face the same struggles throughout our history. Vlad is incredibly well thought out and acted, and should be enjoyable to a wide range of people. The nudity and violence in the film is done with taste and purpose and I'd recommend this film to anyone that wants a romantic saga about one of the world's most notorious monsters.

The official site is: www.vladthemovie.com

This movie hasn't been released to the public yet but I saw an advanced screening of it. It was really cool. It takes place in modern day Romania and has flashbacks to the historical Vlad Tepes. Great cast includes Brad Dourif, Billy Zane, and Francesco Quinn as Vlad. Should come out in August in theaters from what I heard.