Rueiro
I first saw it on Spanish TV centuries ago. Back then I got into the film during its second half, not knowing what it was about, and at the end I thought it was worth watching. Then many years later I found it in YouTube -the image quality was dreadful, and -as I now can tell- it was a truncated Italian dubbed version. And finally recently I found in the internet a Spanish-speaking version with scenes cut from the one I saw before and with a superb quality image, and I downloaded it. I love the film, and I've been looking for the DVD here in London for months. I couldn't find it anywhere. So I'm keeping my downloaded copy for the time being. The ideal treat for a late rainy Saturday night: I alone in my home, a bottle of Scotch to keep me company for a couple of hours, and this atmospheric chiller.
Woodyanders
Weary traveler Nicola (a fine and credible performance by Gianna Garko) seeks refuge at the secluded home of a backwoods family after his car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Unbeknownst to Nicola, the family are afflicted by a centuries old curse involving a deadly vampiric being called the Wurdulak.Director Giorgio Ferroni relates the compelling story at a gradual, yet still hypnotic pace, does a masterful job of crafting and sustaining a supremely spooky and unsettling atmosphere, makes sound use of the desolate and isolated country setting, and certainly doesn't skimp on both the hideous graphic gore and arousing explicit sex and nudity. Better yet, this film not only effectively presents a rich and fascinating depiction of a bucolic and folkloric netherworld steeped deep in dread, superstition, and ancient traditions, but also delivers a fresh and unique spin on the standard vampire premise. The excellent acting from a top-rate cast qualifies as another significant asset, with especially stand-out contributions from the ravishing Agostina Belli as the sweet and naive Sdenka, Roberto Maldera as the sullen Jovan, Bill Vanders as stern patriarch Gorca, and Luis Suurez as the antsy Vlado. The startling downbeat ending packs a devastating wallop. Kudos are also in order for both Manuel Berenguer's sumptuous widescreen cinematography and Giorgio Gaslini's exquisitely eerie score. Recommended viewing for aficionados of moody European fright fare.
sirius_6it
I've seen this movie many times; I have to say I love this movie because of many reasons : there are scenes that really scare the hell out of me , for example , the witch running through the woods , the animals running , the scenes that create suspense like when Gianni Garko is inside the house and they're all waiting for the grandpa to come back (and we all know something is happening) Gianni Garko is one of the great actors of the 70s ,he's been a guest star in "Space 1999", as well;the movie has got that 70s atmosphere (like in the hospital) mixed with a sense of Hammer Horror , but more low-budget From what I know, the movie was shot near the place I live (North East Italy) close to Slovenja (Yugoslavia, back then) It's less scary after two or three views, but it's a very good movie
fetmenful
Nicolas is found wandering aimlessly at a beach and is taken to a hospital where his horrific story is told through flashbacks; He have a car accident in the Yugoslavian countryside and finds a house where he gets shelter for the night. He hears strange noises during the night and in the morning he's told about the witch that lives in the forest. The witch killed Yorga's borther (Yorga is the father in the family he stays with) and the brother came back at exactly 6 pm the next day, transformed into a Vardaluk (some sort of zombie). Nikolas falls in love with Sdenka, Yorga's daughter, and stays with the family. Yorga decides to confront the witch and his son Jovan is prepared for the worst. Just like Jovan feared Yorga returns the next day at 6 pm precise and a lot of really bad things starts to happen.This is an interesting movie with a good story, scary music and nice sets but it is a bit to slow moving. The flashback-to-present way of telling the story is pretty effective. There are some memorable scenes like the torture fantasies in the beginning and when Helene's fingers are cut of by Nicolas' car door. There are some nudity and sex. The twist ending is great! Some curiosity: The good-looking Agostina Bella (Sdenka) plays the jealous chambermaid in Ivanna. I give this one 7/10.
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