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In 1992, Frances Ford Coppola re-introduced the world to Prince Vlad. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, it follows the legend of Prince Vlad the impaler (Gary Oldman) who during the Crusades was said to have impaled his enemies and consumed their blood. A tragedy befalls him and he loses his true love, cursing God and in turn..is cursed himself to walk the earth eternally in thirst of human blood. For years he lives in isolation in a castle in Transylvania, aged and looking as if he hadn't seen much blood around them parts in years. That is, until Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) shows up to complete a real estate transaction. Jonathan is suspicious of his odd demeanor and circumstances, but agree's to stay on a month. Dracula spots a picture of his fiance, Mina (Winona Ryder) who is the very image of his lost Elisabeta, and a new sense of life is restored as he sets out to England in search of her.
"I have crossed oceans of time to find you"
Mina lives with a wealthy young aristrocat, Lucy (Sadie Frost) who is her close friend. Mina meets a mysterious man on the street, handsome, a Prince no less. But there is something more - she is seduced by him. It isn't just lust but she feels deep down in her soul like she is somehow connected to him. Dracula has taken shape of his young handsome self, we soon learn he can take many shapes. And he's feasting again. Lucy has taken ill, and Doctor Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) is called, as an expert in diseases of the blood, to uncover what ails her. Van Helsing is familiar with this disease, and at last has met up with his destiny of hunting him down. Meantime, Jonathan is being held hostage at Draculas castle, by three seductive vamps. He manages to escape - and meets up with Mina again and they marry. Well, that really pisses off Dracula. |
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This movie is gothic with erotic scenes and dialogue, very sensual costumes with a fantastic set design of a period piece fantasy. The dialogue flows like red wine, for it punctuates dark humor and sensuality. Honestly I could have done without some of the very bad accents by Reeves and Ryder, but it's forgivable in the greater scheme of things. The Special effects such as Gary Oldman's transformations are fantastically done. It's a film unafraid of gore, with a strong supporting score that sets the atmosphere. It's a story about love and redemption. In the end, unlike many vampire movies, it actually does have a point. Hopkins graces the screen with his wit. Oldman effectively conveys villian and victim. (He's one of those underrated actors that has appeared in many films as such extremely different characters that you would hardly recognize him.) You empathize with Dracula even as you are revolted by what he is. And that, in short, is why I own this movie. If you have all the right home theater stuff to enjoy Superbit movies - Dracula has a Superbit version that I hear is nothing less than spectacular. A feast for the eyes. |
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