Sure feels like Vancouver, BC during the dreary days, which creates the appropriate mood for the flick. Its title unfortunately associates it with some real stinkers. It is not one of those. I don't know where the movie fits, but it leaves a significant after-taste. I use these user reviews to help decide whether or not I will watch the movie. If you do too, then it's a watcher, but strangely so. It feels Canadian, as in raw and hand-held sort of. Acting is solid, and the story keeps your attention. Vampire, no. Sanguine something, perhaps. It should not be castigated just because it is not polished to the extreme, and all tricked out with CGI.
23 Reviews
Deeply flawed, but interesting
zetes2 November 2014
From the director of two of the best films about teenagers ever made, All About Lily Chou Chou and Hana and Alice, Vampire is an idiosyncratic art film. It was Iwai's English language debut, premiering at Sundance in January of 2011. It was so poorly reviewed that it barely even got released theatrically anywhere (only in Japan, as far as I can tell), and only recently became available in America via Amazon download. The truth is, it is a disaster. Thankfully, though, it's a very interesting disaster. With expectations adjusted accordingly, I liked it, at least a bit. Kevin Zegers plays a high school biology teacher who has a secret life as a serial killer called the Vampire because he drains his victims' blood. His victims, though, are consenting, wishing him to help them commit suicide. His pretenses are generally false - they believe he's going to commit suicide alongside them (or, alternately, that he's going to use the blood for scientific research on suicidals), but he is a gentle man. He actually believes himself to be a vampire, or maybe he wishes he were one, and he drinks the blood afterward. The film is often lovely - aided by a gorgeous, ethereal musical score by Iwai himself. There are a couple of killer sequences, particularly the film's only real horror sequence, where Zegers is forced to accompany another serial killer (Trevor Morgan) as he hunts and murders a woman by suffocating her with a plastic bag. Of all the deaths I've encountered in movies this past month (I only watch horror films in October), this was by far the most terrifying to me, with the woman just left to stumble around trying to escape her plight. The real failure of the film comes with the subplot involving Zegers' Alzheimers-ridden mother (Amanda Plummer), whom he keeps from wandering out of his apartment by attaching giant, white balloons to her. This feels like something out of a terrible indie comedy (well, it did premier at Sundance!) and it just never works. There are a lot of other instances of people just not acting like real people ever would.
An Original Take On The Vampire Genre
meddlecore7 October 2013
This slow, bizarre film tells the story of a semi-benevolent Vampire who trolls suicide pact websites looking for vulnerable souls who he can convince to consensually bleed themselves to death- so that he can feed on their blood. He's not one of those typical mythological vampire types- the ones we are all familiar with. Rather, a daywalking human Vampire that seems to possess an inescapable and insatiable desire to drink human blood.
By day, he's a highschool biology teacher that watches over his Alzheimers ridden mother. By night, he associates with an online community of suicidal wannabes, and the other twisted f*cks that are attracted to such people- like moths to a light.
He normally operates by forming a relationship with one of the "Side by Cide" members, who he then meets in an isolated location- with their computer (to prevent the police from obtaining evidence of their correspondence)- before using his cunning to convince them to bleed themselves dry- while assuring them that he'll take himself out when it's all over. Though, actually collecting and consuming their blood, instead.
Things take a turn, when he goes to meet a potential suicidee...only to find out that she had arranged a group suicide with a bunch of other members from the site. All but he and one other girl are killed when one of the suicidees releases a cloud of carbon monoxide inside their van.
The two survivors make their way back to civilization. But on the way...the girl figures out that he is the infamous "Vampire", who has been seducing, killing and consuming the blood of the site's disappearing members. He's kind of famous in their realm.
When confronted with his real identity, he admits everything to her. Only to discover that she is willing to offer her blood- her life- to him.
While working on the girl he met at the group suicide, his psycho stalker wannabe-girlfriend breaks into his apartment and onto his computer- looking for some sort of evidence that he's found someone else. While rummaging through his apartment, she jimmies open a locked closet, where she (apparently) discovers his hidden secret.
He doesn't even kill the girl from the group either, having fallen seemingly in love with her- rendering him unable to go through with it. The two form a new pact with each other: he is to cease killing if she let's him drink from her neck- being his "only one".
In an ironic twist of fate, though, one of his student's with suicidal tendencies- whom he had previously talked out of killing herself- slits her wrists and winds up in the hospital, needing blood. When he is contacted as next of kin, the nurse asks him if he is willing to donate his own blood in order to save her life.
You'd think that this altruistic act would have garnered him some good karma, but when he returns to his flat, the police are waiting for him... I do, however, suppose that you might wonder whether it was this act of benevolence that actually sealed his fate.
With this film Iwai has created a monster that is not merely a heartless and manipulative, psychopathic killer, rather a burdened and tormented soul who is forced to cope with the fate he's been dealt. It's not your typical horror scenario, by any means. It's less a film that exploits the romantic gore on which most cliché vampire films are based. Instead opting for more of an emotionally disturbing approach. The ending is kind of a cop-out, but the film is oddly intriguing enough to hold your attention throughout it's almost two-hour runtime. It's certainly not the best vampire flick I've ever seen, but it's most definitely a different and original take on the genre. And for that reason it's worth a watch.
6 out 10.
By day, he's a highschool biology teacher that watches over his Alzheimers ridden mother. By night, he associates with an online community of suicidal wannabes, and the other twisted f*cks that are attracted to such people- like moths to a light.
He normally operates by forming a relationship with one of the "Side by Cide" members, who he then meets in an isolated location- with their computer (to prevent the police from obtaining evidence of their correspondence)- before using his cunning to convince them to bleed themselves dry- while assuring them that he'll take himself out when it's all over. Though, actually collecting and consuming their blood, instead.
Things take a turn, when he goes to meet a potential suicidee...only to find out that she had arranged a group suicide with a bunch of other members from the site. All but he and one other girl are killed when one of the suicidees releases a cloud of carbon monoxide inside their van.
The two survivors make their way back to civilization. But on the way...the girl figures out that he is the infamous "Vampire", who has been seducing, killing and consuming the blood of the site's disappearing members. He's kind of famous in their realm.
When confronted with his real identity, he admits everything to her. Only to discover that she is willing to offer her blood- her life- to him.
While working on the girl he met at the group suicide, his psycho stalker wannabe-girlfriend breaks into his apartment and onto his computer- looking for some sort of evidence that he's found someone else. While rummaging through his apartment, she jimmies open a locked closet, where she (apparently) discovers his hidden secret.
He doesn't even kill the girl from the group either, having fallen seemingly in love with her- rendering him unable to go through with it. The two form a new pact with each other: he is to cease killing if she let's him drink from her neck- being his "only one".
In an ironic twist of fate, though, one of his student's with suicidal tendencies- whom he had previously talked out of killing herself- slits her wrists and winds up in the hospital, needing blood. When he is contacted as next of kin, the nurse asks him if he is willing to donate his own blood in order to save her life.
You'd think that this altruistic act would have garnered him some good karma, but when he returns to his flat, the police are waiting for him... I do, however, suppose that you might wonder whether it was this act of benevolence that actually sealed his fate.
With this film Iwai has created a monster that is not merely a heartless and manipulative, psychopathic killer, rather a burdened and tormented soul who is forced to cope with the fate he's been dealt. It's not your typical horror scenario, by any means. It's less a film that exploits the romantic gore on which most cliché vampire films are based. Instead opting for more of an emotionally disturbing approach. The ending is kind of a cop-out, but the film is oddly intriguing enough to hold your attention throughout it's almost two-hour runtime. It's certainly not the best vampire flick I've ever seen, but it's most definitely a different and original take on the genre. And for that reason it's worth a watch.
6 out 10.
THIS MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE
adriennehollifield22 June 2019
I found the concept interesting (quiet, seemingly normal biology teacher meets his lust for blood by suicide victims) but this film was a mess. I felt like there were too many moving parts and not enough of an interesting plot! There was Simon, the likeable main character, his crazy mother, his crazy would-be girlfriend, the suicide victims... nothing fit well together! It seemed like scenes that were randomly filmed and they attempted to do a mashup to make the film flow! There was no climax really, and too many unanswered questions at the end. This movie also felt like it was 10 hours long. I kept wondering when it would end, and then it kept going! And then when I got to the end, it was a BIG letdown. I understand the director was trying to be artistic, but wow...
Five Stars? Nope. Try Two.
redrobin62-321-2073116 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
"Vampire" actually has an interesting story in there somewhere, and that is of depressed people trying to find a way to end it all. By that premise alone, "Vampire" should come with a trigger label. The film does leave a lot of questions unanswered, though. To wit: Why does this young, good looking biology teacher have such a fascination with drinking blood, given it even makes him vomit it up? Also, are people that stupid that they would freely let someone kill them with the promise that their killer would also off themselves afterwards? How was a woman who was clearly in need of a nursing home allowed to live in such a preposterous apartment, with giant freezers full of bodies in a secret room no less? I give the film one star for the lyrical scene of Amanda Plummer playing the piano with all those white balloons attached to her. The rewst of the amateurish production? Not so much.
insipid and uninvolving
LunarPoise29 November 2013
Iwai steps out of his Japanese comfort zone to produce an all-English film that never sparks to life. A young teacher with a thirst for blood helps wannabe suicides to die, at the same time taking payment in blood to satisfy his craving.
Iwai goes after lyricism and visual poetry but forgets plot and character. These dull, droll people - they are all too sharp, witty, beautiful, young and clear-eyed to in any way convince that they are clinically depressed - wander through the frame, spouting little clunky monologues that are forgotten as soon as heard. There are some nice images here, you'd expect no less from Iwai, but the master storyteller who gave us Swallowtail and Love Letter does not inhabit this film. The subtlety and youthful longings that permeated Hana and Alice are also conspicuous by their absence. There is no dramatic tension, no empathy, no persuasive on-screen relationships - Martin and his mother never really convey a sense of shared history. A relationship with a cop seems forced in order to introduce an equally wooden stalker character. The script is badly under-realised, and everything after that can't move beyond that initial failure.
Iwai on top of his game is one of the world's best filmmakers, so it is deeply disappointing to see this flat, facile film in his oeuvre. Brief glimpses of his visual prowess remain, and allied to a stronger narrative, give hope that the old Iwai will show up in his next film. It's small consolation for having to sit through this.
Iwai goes after lyricism and visual poetry but forgets plot and character. These dull, droll people - they are all too sharp, witty, beautiful, young and clear-eyed to in any way convince that they are clinically depressed - wander through the frame, spouting little clunky monologues that are forgotten as soon as heard. There are some nice images here, you'd expect no less from Iwai, but the master storyteller who gave us Swallowtail and Love Letter does not inhabit this film. The subtlety and youthful longings that permeated Hana and Alice are also conspicuous by their absence. There is no dramatic tension, no empathy, no persuasive on-screen relationships - Martin and his mother never really convey a sense of shared history. A relationship with a cop seems forced in order to introduce an equally wooden stalker character. The script is badly under-realised, and everything after that can't move beyond that initial failure.
Iwai on top of his game is one of the world's best filmmakers, so it is deeply disappointing to see this flat, facile film in his oeuvre. Brief glimpses of his visual prowess remain, and allied to a stronger narrative, give hope that the old Iwai will show up in his next film. It's small consolation for having to sit through this.
If you know Iwai, you know what to expect
Radu_A25 February 2011
This is not a vampire flick. It shouldn't really be necessary to point this out, after all the summary makes it very clear. But it would seem that the reason for this film's overall cold reception is precisely that it doesn't feature supernatural, love-lorn beings to satisfy inhibited sexual desires of self-destruction. Rather, it presents an altogether uncomfortable view on real-life blood-thirst and a controversial look at suicidal obsession.
If you're familiar with Iwai's work, then neither the subject matter nor the style come as much of a surprise. Iwai's staple theme is alienated youth and the thin line between friendship and destruction. In 'All about Lily Chou-Chou', he explored bullying and underage prostitution against a backdrop of how virtual and real-life personalities differ, 'Swallowtail Butterfly' dealt with the ups and downs of a group of misfits bonding and betraying each other, and 'Hana & Alice' showed a close high-school-girl friendship with elements of rivalry over a particular boy.
'Vampire' follows a story which actually happened in Japan: a man convinces young women in suicide chat-rooms to die together with him, eventually tricking them so that he may consume their blood. The focus isn't so much on why he wants to do this (apart from ambivalent references to the quest for immortality), but rather why these women want to die - and this is where I see a continuity with Iwai's other work. It's not so much about the story itself, which takes somewhat unfathomable turns and ends up in a confusing mêlée, but rather the visuals, which create a mystified, surreal and at times even humorous perspective on death. The proverbial 'vampire' is actually seen as a perversion of this theme, which becomes obvious in a rather gory parody of the 'serial killer' image, complete with fangs and cape.
If you wonder what a Japanese film with American actors may look like, then this one may be very well for you. To me, it's been worthwhile just for seeing that the styles of Japanese cinema - character vagueness, visual rendition, and most of all quietness - can be translated into English rather well. However, if you really expect a vampire flick, better wait until the next 'Twilight' segment.
If you're familiar with Iwai's work, then neither the subject matter nor the style come as much of a surprise. Iwai's staple theme is alienated youth and the thin line between friendship and destruction. In 'All about Lily Chou-Chou', he explored bullying and underage prostitution against a backdrop of how virtual and real-life personalities differ, 'Swallowtail Butterfly' dealt with the ups and downs of a group of misfits bonding and betraying each other, and 'Hana & Alice' showed a close high-school-girl friendship with elements of rivalry over a particular boy.
'Vampire' follows a story which actually happened in Japan: a man convinces young women in suicide chat-rooms to die together with him, eventually tricking them so that he may consume their blood. The focus isn't so much on why he wants to do this (apart from ambivalent references to the quest for immortality), but rather why these women want to die - and this is where I see a continuity with Iwai's other work. It's not so much about the story itself, which takes somewhat unfathomable turns and ends up in a confusing mêlée, but rather the visuals, which create a mystified, surreal and at times even humorous perspective on death. The proverbial 'vampire' is actually seen as a perversion of this theme, which becomes obvious in a rather gory parody of the 'serial killer' image, complete with fangs and cape.
If you wonder what a Japanese film with American actors may look like, then this one may be very well for you. To me, it's been worthwhile just for seeing that the styles of Japanese cinema - character vagueness, visual rendition, and most of all quietness - can be translated into English rather well. However, if you really expect a vampire flick, better wait until the next 'Twilight' segment.
Sadly... Disappointed
ihearthorrorfilm9 January 2014
I'm always interested in vampire films that are original and stay true to the complexity of a blood sucker surviving in the modern world and yet is able to refrain from being whatever Twilight was all about. 'Vampire' is definitely an interesting take on the genre, which focuses on a young science teacher who preys on girls looking to commit suicide. The most interesting thing about this film is how the vampire himself seems to be surrounded by crazy people and I'm not talking about his victims. The sane characters are the depressed people looking for death and the other characters all seem to have personality disorders or are psychopaths, which then makes the lead seem that much more of a nice guy. The film starts out really interesting and has a very cool cast of actors that are well known in connection to the horror genre, but the film begins to fizzle out when it goes from drama to art-house drama about halfway through. Then, the film continually drags with scenes that are unnecessarily too long to be entertaining. The weirdest part is the long list of Horror veterans with crazy small parts throughout the film that go nowhere. Kind of a huge disappointment, but Vampire doesn't deliver the horror as much as it smothers you with drama.
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Very good but a few too many tricks
julesette27 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished watching this film at Sundance, and it was nothing like I expected. Very little gore, a cool and somehow likable main character. Why Keisha Castle-Hughes has top billing I don't understand, when she only has one scene at the very beginning. Adelaide Clemens stood out, as the girl who just might save our "hero," had not Rachael Leigh Cook, great as the pushiest would-be girlfriend I ever saw, went and ruined it all. Amanda Plummer gives an outstanding performance while only uttering one word in the whole film. Kevin Segers is terrific as Simon. Simon is vampire as boy next door, without any annoying vampire clichés to get in the way.
Now my problems with the film. The dialogue was a little trying at some points, but since the writer/director is not a native English speaker,it's forgivable most of the time. The movie did go on too long, there were moments where I thought "okay, that's the end," followed later by, "okay, now that's the end." One of the final scenes, featuring Kristin Kreuk of Smallville fame, is charming doesn't give us any more insight into Simon's story. Was she the first? Why is this flashback being featured at the end like this, when Simon's story is, essentially, over? My biggest problem with the film were the rotated shots. For no apparent reason as we see Simon and his new friend fishing, the shot is upside down. There's at least another few shots that are sideways. They added nothing to the film and only inspired me to tilt my head for a better view.
The film also features a insightful study on the depressed and suicidal. Both actors and director bring their pain to the forefront without any over-dramatic clichés. The scenes between Simon and the women are poignant, especially the non-vampire scene with his student.
If you're looking for a horror movie, this is not it. The most gruesome scene in the film features the main character only on the sidelines being repulsed by it. But if you like vampire as ordinary hero -- and not the fangy or sparkly kind -- you may enjoy it.
Now my problems with the film. The dialogue was a little trying at some points, but since the writer/director is not a native English speaker,it's forgivable most of the time. The movie did go on too long, there were moments where I thought "okay, that's the end," followed later by, "okay, now that's the end." One of the final scenes, featuring Kristin Kreuk of Smallville fame, is charming doesn't give us any more insight into Simon's story. Was she the first? Why is this flashback being featured at the end like this, when Simon's story is, essentially, over? My biggest problem with the film were the rotated shots. For no apparent reason as we see Simon and his new friend fishing, the shot is upside down. There's at least another few shots that are sideways. They added nothing to the film and only inspired me to tilt my head for a better view.
The film also features a insightful study on the depressed and suicidal. Both actors and director bring their pain to the forefront without any over-dramatic clichés. The scenes between Simon and the women are poignant, especially the non-vampire scene with his student.
If you're looking for a horror movie, this is not it. The most gruesome scene in the film features the main character only on the sidelines being repulsed by it. But if you like vampire as ordinary hero -- and not the fangy or sparkly kind -- you may enjoy it.
Absolutely alternative
DhariaLezin19 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I was really surprised after watching this vampire movie. It is refreshing after all the soap-opera vampire dramas that have been on TV and movies recently that make the vampires corny stupid creatures. If you are looking for blood and gore, this is not gonna be your kind of movie, but if you are into psychological thrillers with extremely well created characters go for it. Perhaps the thing that hooked me up the most in this tiny indie movie, is that each of the characters that appear have a story to tell, even if their appearance is short. It has many elements that have not seen in a movie before with the touch that the director gives, such a suicide community online, and a serial killer that actually kills the victims with their consent, making him kind of sweet. You will never understand for sure if he is a vampire or why he does what he does, but you get really attached to different characters in one way or another and you cannot help feeling empathy for more than one in different moments. There is no way you can hate Simon (the main character), even if he is a "serial killer", and when you hear the victims, you also get why they don't wanna live anymore. The dialogs are breathtaking, and the acting of every single actor is just fabulous. Definitely the casting team made excellent choices, I didn't know most of them, but that was an amazing surprise, again, specially for being an indie low budget movie. I would have given it a ten if the last half an hour of the movie didn't got slower, and because of the photography. Although it is good, some scenes are extremely long for just one shot. However, I would recommend it if you want something new, deep and with a deep psychological content about vampires.
Bizarrely hypnotic
amplifiedheart-226 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Well I have to admit this is one of the strangest movies I had the opportunity to see in last few years. It's obviously not a horror or supernatural flick as title might have suggested - but it's a full pledged slow burning drama that almost has the 'art movie experience' feel to it. First and foremost - this is NOT a movie for average film-goer. It's slow paced, disturbing, unnerving, a true psychological drama with after burn effect that's not even particularly fun to watch but has that kind of hypnotic quality that holds you throughout the movie.
The way the movie is shot is sort of semi-documentary style and while some shots do look relatively cheap (it was probably filmed on shoe-string budget), the way the camera moves and shots are placed - there's almost a voyeurish characteristic to it, like the director Shunji Iwai is forcing us to observe what happens to these women and to our main character, and although we might be repulsed by it - we can't look away. It's also a novel way to dive into the world of suicide and strange obsessions and even though we can't feel much empathy for Simon and the way he's using suicidal girls for his own 'vampiric' urges - it all has a deep, profound sense of tragedy that it's not just black and white or right or wrong. The question of morals is left as a gray area here; we are merely observing what is happening and drawing our own conclusions. Acting is minimalistic, but it does serve the movie well - the scarce, empty locations and deeply melancholic orchestral soundtrack only enlarge the feelings of sadness, nihilism and the impossibility of belonging or fitting in.
In short - this is a really special kind of movie, one that will stick with you for a long time as you dwell on the fate of it's protagonists and also leave you to fight with your own feelings of insecurities, sense of abandonment and questions whether life is worth living that sometimes creep on us in our darkest moments through life...
Well-worth seeing but a duly warning: not meant for the faint of heart.
The way the movie is shot is sort of semi-documentary style and while some shots do look relatively cheap (it was probably filmed on shoe-string budget), the way the camera moves and shots are placed - there's almost a voyeurish characteristic to it, like the director Shunji Iwai is forcing us to observe what happens to these women and to our main character, and although we might be repulsed by it - we can't look away. It's also a novel way to dive into the world of suicide and strange obsessions and even though we can't feel much empathy for Simon and the way he's using suicidal girls for his own 'vampiric' urges - it all has a deep, profound sense of tragedy that it's not just black and white or right or wrong. The question of morals is left as a gray area here; we are merely observing what is happening and drawing our own conclusions. Acting is minimalistic, but it does serve the movie well - the scarce, empty locations and deeply melancholic orchestral soundtrack only enlarge the feelings of sadness, nihilism and the impossibility of belonging or fitting in.
In short - this is a really special kind of movie, one that will stick with you for a long time as you dwell on the fate of it's protagonists and also leave you to fight with your own feelings of insecurities, sense of abandonment and questions whether life is worth living that sometimes creep on us in our darkest moments through life...
Well-worth seeing but a duly warning: not meant for the faint of heart.
All star cast
Marcus_Flavius7 March 2020
With such a great cast of some of the most beautiful actresses ever, I expected much more. This is actually one of the worst movies that I've ever watched all the way through. I was waiting to see Kristen Kreuk but she wasn't in it until the last 2 minutes. #waste of money
Was Vampire really created by Shunji Iwai?
Shichiro74 April 2015
Let me begin this very short rating opinion by saying I own of all of Shunji Iwai's movies on DVD and am a fan of his work; however, I found Vampire to be a failed experiment-collaboration with American actors. For me, this movie was a chore to watch as it was painfully tedious, dreary, soulless, and at times disturbing. Simon, the main character, was very unlikable and the only reason I forced myself to finish this movie was because I hope to see justice bestowed for his unconscionable acts. Personally, I am happy Yû Aoi only made a brief appearance because because her talent could not redeem Vampire. Like all of my favorite movies, I regularly revisit "All About Lily Chou-Chou"; "Vampire" I wish to forget.
Just Because It Was Created Doesn't Mean It's Good
jmrmrogers6 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am a hard core film lover of the umpteenth degree and will always give a film, especially a film festival/art house film, a second and third chance at proving and redeeming itself. I've never walked out on a film. Until now. Reasons: The dialog was insipid with what appeared to be little thought in creating; the story was eye-rolling (how many suicides do you happen to run into? This leading man, who seems to invite death, has them happening all around him; how fortunate); and, the act of raping and murdering a young woman unnecessarily was put in, in my opinion, just for the purpose of filming it. And that's unconscionable. If you wish to see director Iwai masturbating on screen (not literally, folks), knock yourself out with this film. For any serious moviegoer who has a love for film and respect for all those connected with the creation of it, this movie is not for you.
Gets interesting but extremely horrendous
Irishchatter21 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
At the beginning of the film, you would get to be interested in this movie straight away because you don't know how the biology teacher Simon attacks his victims so he can get their blood without being caught. I found it actually shocking that he didn't get caught at all in the end.
Nor his lovesick physopath friend Renfield. I thought it was horrendous and disgusting that he raped a poor defenseless woman to just off Simon that he's a vampire too. Seriously, he needs to be electriculed by an electric chair to see how he likes the pain!
I would call this movie a very sick and disturbing film to watch. I think it would be best if it was banned to tell you the truth.
Nor his lovesick physopath friend Renfield. I thought it was horrendous and disgusting that he raped a poor defenseless woman to just off Simon that he's a vampire too. Seriously, he needs to be electriculed by an electric chair to see how he likes the pain!
I would call this movie a very sick and disturbing film to watch. I think it would be best if it was banned to tell you the truth.
Not so good
sissy3006-179-64045416 October 2020
Modern Day True Vampires
dalaye20 February 2016
To those that enjoy the Dracula vampire movies, don't bother with this one. This is not a fantasy. This is a true modern day sanguinarian vampire drama that is very enjoyable and very believable. While some may consider if bordering on horror, only due to a second vampire within the story, it is a well written and portrayed drama of true vampirism, where people truly are addicted to drinking human blood of others. Most will enjoy this as it fails to be as predictable as it first appears, and everyday life drama is well portrayed. It is disappointing that that many gave this a low rating, most likely as they simply wanted to see the typical fantasy vampire horror movie. This isn't it - this movie is real life, and truly could be based on a true story.
Not scary...but depressing
redfivenine1 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I wish I'd come here first instead of relying on the silly algorithms of the streaming services. This vampire pic is not scary, just sad. I have not up to this point finished it. After a 1:10 I couldn't watch anymore. Who's to say it may have just been getting good. Maybe I'll be bored enough one day to find out. If I finish it I will update my rating, maybe.
This vampire is not a vampire at all, he's a low budget Dr. Kevorkian (my apologies to his victims' families, but that's the best way I can think to describe him). He wants to be a vampire but doesn't have the stomach for it, literally. It jumps right into the action, if you can call it that, with very little explanation. It sort of drolls on with him finding victims here and there through a support group. It's obvious the dude has some personal issues.
The film has some great actors but their talents are wasted to me. There is no real drama, considering the subject matter. I just don't get it. If I could get my time back I'd give it a pass for sure.
This vampire is not a vampire at all, he's a low budget Dr. Kevorkian (my apologies to his victims' families, but that's the best way I can think to describe him). He wants to be a vampire but doesn't have the stomach for it, literally. It jumps right into the action, if you can call it that, with very little explanation. It sort of drolls on with him finding victims here and there through a support group. It's obvious the dude has some personal issues.
The film has some great actors but their talents are wasted to me. There is no real drama, considering the subject matter. I just don't get it. If I could get my time back I'd give it a pass for sure.
Beautiful, Hypnotic, and more Disturbing than All About Lily Chou Chou
rjzm28 February 2014
I write as a fan of Shunji Iwai's cinema: he is a master. An auteur.
The slander written of this film, by previous reviewers, should be ignored. What has been crafted is unique, cerebral, and very disturbing. A must see for fans of cinema, especially followers of Shunji Iwai.
The story, casting, cinematography, and editing, all feel like his previous outings, but the one difference is the obvious: the topic on display is not one routinely viewed in American cinema, which makes this film all the more important.
Vampire belongs in-line with the great films Hanna and Alice, and All About Lily Chou Chou.
No need to explain the storyline, because this film should be watched carefully.
-RJZII
The slander written of this film, by previous reviewers, should be ignored. What has been crafted is unique, cerebral, and very disturbing. A must see for fans of cinema, especially followers of Shunji Iwai.
The story, casting, cinematography, and editing, all feel like his previous outings, but the one difference is the obvious: the topic on display is not one routinely viewed in American cinema, which makes this film all the more important.
Vampire belongs in-line with the great films Hanna and Alice, and All About Lily Chou Chou.
No need to explain the storyline, because this film should be watched carefully.
-RJZII
Original
kosmasp9 November 2011
You just wish the title would be more original. Like my summary, it just isn't really up there. And that is a shame, because the movie as it is, has quite a lot going for it. But how do you sell it, if you have to ask for a movie called "Vampire"? I know, if that's everything that is "wrong" with the movie, then there is nothing wrong with it.
Which is not that far from the truth. I had no idea that this was made by a Japanese director, but I got the vibe that it isn't your regular "horror" movie. It is more weird drama, than anything else. Great actors too, who just live up to the feeling of this. It's difficult to recommend, because at the end of the day this isn't what people will expect from a movie like this ... Still I liked it (a lot)
Which is not that far from the truth. I had no idea that this was made by a Japanese director, but I got the vibe that it isn't your regular "horror" movie. It is more weird drama, than anything else. Great actors too, who just live up to the feeling of this. It's difficult to recommend, because at the end of the day this isn't what people will expect from a movie like this ... Still I liked it (a lot)
a story
Vincentiu30 August 2013
about solitude, death and relationship. a parody, a social analyze or only new image of serial killer. in fact, only a mirror for the importance of life, for the new forms of dialog, emo generation, internet importance and a poetic form of happiness.a Japanese air and almost unrealistic/confuse story. only an exercise to define a world. interesting, amusing, cold, realistic. a film who can be really bad for the expectation of young viewers or only metaphor for another. a story who not seduce but can be an inspired picture for many usual situations. and this is important. a Kevin Zegers who does a not bad role, exploring many of his character nuances, dialogs as smoke circles, crumbs of a kind of documentary and bizarre end. a film about a vampire. the only victim, different by usual definition/ expectations.
Not Shunji Iwai's best but very good yarn
sukimiyaki30 October 2021
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