What sort of Halloween, Samhain, Saovine, whatever else, would it be, if there were no Dracula movies to watch? And I myself am a very picky watcher, I don't like a lot of genres, I don't like a lot of things. So here's a few best pieces in certain genres, in hopes you'll find something for yourself too!
Only 6 days till Halloween!
Historical:
Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula. This is one of my favorite historical pieces of Dracula. It's not purely a documentary, but it follows history just about well enough to be considered historical, in my humble opinion. There likely are better ones out there, since there's hundreds... Anyway. This story follows Vlad and his life from Ottoman captivity, to death. Nailing the best parts in the process: his people, at least the closest, most trusted circle, were loyal to him without a fault. He gathered them from slums and alleys, not caring to keep his name when he took in criminals to fight along side with him. They repaid him with care and skill. But Boyars had the Church on their side, and, quoting the movie "We all live under one god; All but the godless" was what pushed this juggernaut off the track. I like the philosophy behind this movie, and I like the actors too. The one who plays Dracula here also played Dracula in Buffy the Vampire Slayer!Horror:
Bram Stoker's Dracula. One of the most interesting and beautiful Dracula movies out there, I think, and would likely befit romance as much as it fits Horror with the monsters roaming. It tells the old tale of Bram Stoker's Dracula, but with a little twist to it. For, for once, Mina does recall who this man is soon in. And she knows she loves him. It's such a beautiful tragic story, full of incredible actors, and amazing outfits, it's a must watch.Classic:
Dracula, 1931 is one of the oldest, and most beautiful classical Dracula movies out there. It's not the scary Langela or Christopher Lee representation, but rather the very first "mysterious and sexy" take on the beast Stoker described. Bela Lugosi does a marvelous job with his handsome smile, immortalizing both our Prince Dracula, and himself too. It is a known fact he requested to be buried in Dracula's suit he wore, and we all know the anthem tune of "Bela Lugosi's Dead" from Hunger. I understand the black and white movies are not for all, but if one day you're in a mood for such, take it.Opera:
Dracula, Entre l'amour et la Mort is mind blowing. It's a rock opera with powerful voices and Bruno Pelletier as Dracula. Story starts at his turning, and ends with his, well, choice. But all that happens in between is what kept me going. How he lures men in, finding their weaknesses, uses their lack of knowledge, their wills of lack there of. He goes as far as challenge Van Helsing! This is not some cowering vampire in the dark. This is a powerful warlord who has enough experience under his belt to make this silly little band of vampire hunters run circles around themselves...Comedy:
Dracula: Dead and Loving It. I have recently re-watched this movie with some friends. Had to. I simply wasn't aware people don't know of this gem, for a gem it is! This is definitely the funniest movie with Dracula as the main topic, following, loosely, Bram Stoker's story. I've laughed and cried laughing, and so I really do hope you'll give it a shot!Cartoon:
Hotel Transylvania. Like cartoons? Got little siblings, children, nieces? This is a movie for you, and everyone around you. The now trilogy (or series with three parts?) is a hilarious, heart-warming cartoon about a hotel for monsters, owned by Dracula family. Vlad Dracula and his daughter, Mavis Dracula. It's very fun to watch Dracula, the cold-sharp-cut mister in a suit break out of the shell to have a little flying-table race!
Documentary:
Vlad the Impaler: The Real Dracula is not the best documentary out there, but I liked the explanation on political side of war in this. It's a good start to those who are readying themselves for some in-depth Dracula studies, so to speak. Next one would be BBC's documentary, for that one is likely better, and possibly more trustworthy in some instances. Both can be found fully on YouTube.Bonus:
Dracula Untold. I am aware that this movie is both loved and hated in equal parts. But I do really honestly love it. Mostly because it passes on the correct message of who and what Vlad Dracula was. Europe that was at the brunt of Ottoman's marching on, so, Romania, Bulgaria, will tell you that Vlad Dracula did what he had to do. Meaning that if he was a monster, he was such for a very good reason, being among the first to stand up to the threat, and likely the only one who fought up until he fell, and others realized what beast he was battling out there. After that, after his death even the Order of Dragon had to admit their mistakes. And this movie shows it well enough. People are fast to turn on those they perceive as monsters. But there are those scary bastards we shouldn't get in the way of. And then there are those who put themselves in the center of it so we could have another day to live. It's a beautiful movie that was worth more than it got.Honorable mentions:
And just a couple other things you might watch: Dracula, l'amour plus for que la mort - Dracula is practically a mute here, everyone knows his will and are quick to make it happen. He's a gorgeous man with allusions around him into a more biblical figure, for he hangs out with freaks and lepers of all kinds. It is a more modern take on him too!Hope you'll enjoy a movie or two! I leave you with a little tune from Dracula, l'amour plus for que la mort. En Transe...ylavanie! (took me forever to figure out it means "transylvania")
Van Helsing - A great fantasy story of Dracula, in a strange world full of all kinds of gothic creatures. Dracula is a very sassy mister here.
Count Dracula (1970) with Christopher Lee, one of the first adaptations where Dracula went from a seducing gentleman to a fanged monster that wants to suck your blood!
HAPPY
HALLOWEEN
AND
HAVE A SPOOKY READING
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