Tale of a Vampire (1992)

User Rating:

5.0/10   

Director:

Shimako Sato

Writers:

Edgar Allan Poe (based on a story)
Shimako Sato (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

14 July 1993 (Japan)

Genre:

Horror | Drama | Romance | Thriller

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Blood | Gore | Vampire

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Julian Sands	...	Alex
Suzanna Hamilton	...	Anne / Virginia
Kenneth Cranham	...	Edgar
Marion Diamond	...	Denise
Michael Kenton	...	Magazine Man
Catherine Blake	...	Virginia (5)
Mark Kempner	...	Morgue Official
Nik Myers	...	Rent Boy / Newscaster's Voice
Ken Pritchard	...	Bum 1
Ian Rollison	...	Bum 2
David King	...	Waiter
Adrianne Alexander	...	Prostitute
Mark Motileb	...	Child
Keri Motileb	...	Child
Lisa Motileb	...	Child

Also Known As:

Warlock: Tale of a Vampire (Europe: English title) (video catalogue title)

Runtime:

USA:93 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:MA | UK:18 | USA:R

Quotes:

[first lines]
Edgar: It was many and many a year ago / In a kingdom by the sea / That a maiden there lived whom you may know / By the name of Annabel Lee

Character driven vampire film, not much action

Best vampire movie I have seen in a long time.

I have many vampire films and quite enjoy the genre. Unfortunately most vampire (or horror, for that matter) films go for action and gore instead of more subtle approaches. Which is where this film really shines. Slow and Plot-Driven would be the keywords for this film, as there is not much violence and the gore that is included is merely there so we can see the main character for the monster he is, as well is his human side, for the added contrast.

The performances by the actors are on the whole good, the settings are truly excellent and ambient light and sounds are used with great attention and a certain amount of style, and create exactly the right atmosphere at each moment. One such instant would be every time the vampire (Sands) is in a dark scene with another character, nice use of lighting to show his heightened senses. The script is also solid, with good dialogue and character development.

I can understand those who dislike the film, though. It IS slow, and for those who just meant to grab a quick and violent vampire flick, this is not the right movie. On the other hand, if you enjoy the vampire mythos and would like to see a film driven by characters and a good script (as opposed to ultraviolence to a frantic techno beat) then this film is for you.

The lack of huge fangs was also a nice change, this vampire is mostly human, and the eroticism of the vampire legend is not lost in this film, and believably carried by the actors.

Highly recommended (for the right audience)