Lake of Dracula

As I write, it's 69 years since Godzilla first stomped across our planet, causing the kind of destruction that is, even now, wowing audiences across the world. Toho films were originally (and subsequently) responsible for most of The Big G's attempts to save/destroy humanity. Perhaps less well known, particularly to Western audiences, is that Toho also enjoys a run of horror films. They were behind 1998's seminal Ringu, for example, which spawned a whole host of ghostly dark-haired children in horror films.

They flirted with the Prince of Darkness himself with this trilogy of films. Beginning with 1970's 'The Vampire Doll' and ending with ending with 'Evil of Dracula (1974)', 'Lake of Dracula' stars Shin Kishida as a thin glowing-eyed vampire and is more frightening than you might imagine. Nicely directed by Michio Yamamoto and bathed in abrasive colours, he is a force well up to the standing and style of other Draculas.

Any middle section of a trilogy has the most difficult job. No beginning and no end to speak of, it might ungraciously be regarded as 'filler' to any ongoing story. Happily, the stories are so loosely connected, 'Lake' is free to do as it pleases to a large degree.

There's a note of restrain with the horrors here, which isn't always the way with Toho films, and yet the finale is as horrifying as you could hope for. A triumph of lighting, tension and a generally eerie ambience, my score is 8 out of 10.

"Noroi no yakata: Chi o suu me," directed by Michio Yamamoto in 1971, stands as a notable piece in the annals of Japanese horror cinema. This film, often referred to in English as "The Lake of Dracula," weaves a tale rich in gothic atmospheres and eerie storytelling. While it is not without its flaws, it offers an intriguing blend of traditional horror elements and unique cultural undertones that make it a worthy watch for fans of the genre.

The plot centers around Akiko, played by Midori Fujita, who is haunted by visions of a mysterious mansion and a traumatic childhood encounter with a strange man possessing hypnotic powers and sharp, vampiric teeth. The narrative unfolds as Akiko, now an adult and a schoolteacher, begins to experience a series of unsettling events, all seemingly connected to her past and the enigmatic figure she once encountered.

Fujita's portrayal of Akiko is compelling and layered, capturing the character's descent into fear and confusion with a nuanced performance that anchors the film. Her ability to convey vulnerability and determination adds depth to a role that could have easily succumbed to genre clichés. Akiko's journey is punctuated by moments of genuine suspense, particularly in scenes where she is confronted with the eerie occurrences linked to the mansion of her childhood nightmares.

One standout scene that encapsulates the film's chilling essence involves Akiko's return to the lake where she first encountered the vampire. The haunting imagery of the mansion reflected in the still waters, coupled with the atmospheric score, creates a palpable sense of dread. This moment is a testament to Yamamoto's skill in crafting suspense through visual and auditory means, making it one of the most memorable sequences in the film.

Michio Yamamoto's direction shines through his adept handling of the film's pacing and atmosphere. He crafts a visually arresting experience, utilizing the gothic aesthetic to its fullest potential. The film's use of shadows, fog, and dimly lit interiors enhances the sense of foreboding that permeates the narrative. The cinematography, combined with a haunting score, envelops the viewer in a world where the supernatural feels ever-present.

However, "Noroi no yakata: Chi o suu me" is not without its shortcomings. The screenplay occasionally falters, with some dialogue feeling stilted and certain plot developments lacking sufficient depth. Additionally, the supporting characters, while competently portrayed, do not receive as much development as Akiko, resulting in a somewhat uneven ensemble performance.

Despite these issues, the film's strengths lie in its ability to evoke a sense of classic horror while incorporating distinctly Japanese elements. The cultural nuances, such as the depiction of traditional beliefs about spirits and the afterlife, enrich the narrative and set it apart from Western vampire lore.

In conclusion, "Noroi no yakata: Chi o suu me" is a visually and atmospherically rich horror film that, despite its narrative flaws, succeeds in delivering a haunting and memorable experience. Midori Fujita's standout performance and Michio Yamamoto's direction elevate the film, making it a significant entry in the realm of 1970s horror cinema.

As a child "Akiko Kashiwagi" (Midori Fujita) witnessed a horrible scene involving a vampire and has tried her best to repress it since then. Now in her mid-twenties certain strange events begin occurring which bring those memories front and center. The problem is that when she tries to tell her younger sister "Natsuko Kashiwagi" (Sanae Emi) about them she ends up sounding a little crazy and begins to question her sanity. Fortunately, her boyfriend "Dr. Takashi Saeki" (Choei Takahashi) is a bit more understanding. Even so, he still isn't quite able to make the connection when a patient is admitted to the emergency room totally drained of blood and with two bite marks on her neck. And then things really begin to happen. Now, rather than detail any more of the movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that, even though this basic story has been told many times and in many ways, this particular film was somewhat unique due in large part to the Japanese setting. I especially liked the heavy use of makeup on some of the characters along with the fog which helped to create an overall eerie atmosphere. Likewise, having a pretty actress like the aforementioned Sanae Emi certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, while the movie was certainly no blockbuster I think it deserves at least an average rating.

A review of "Noroi no yakata: Chi o suu me" (aka "Lake of Dracula"), a 1971 Japanese vampire thriller directed by Michio Yamamoto.

Dracula has been adapted and reinterpreted countless times, but "Lake of Dracula" offers a unique take on the classic vampire tale, infusing it with a distinct Japanese horror sensibility. Director Yamamoto Michio takes inspiration from Bram Stoker's iconic character but isn't constrained by Western vampire lore. The result is a film that feels both familiar and refreshingly unconventional.

"Lake of Dracula" also explores themes of rationalism versus the paranormal. Despite their logical dispositions, the characters ultimately accept the existence of vampires and the supernatural, blurring the lines between what is considered 'real' and what is 'otherworldly'. This adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story, challenging the audience's perceptions of what is possible within the film's universe.

The film boasts impressive audio and visual elements. The use of sound, in particular, is exceptional, with eerie sound effects and a chilling score that heightens the suspense and creates an immersive experience. The widescreen frame is also utilized effectively to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability during the characters' exploration of creepy locales.

While the film may not satisfy all Western audiences due to its divergence from traditional vampire mythology, it is an intriguing and unsettling addition to the vampire genre. The acting is solid, and the production values are impressive, especially considering the film's age and the challenges of viewing it in its original aspect ratio.

In conclusion, "Lake of Dracula" is a fascinating entry in the vampire film canon. With a strong narrative, effective use of audio and visuals, and a unique take on vampire lore, it offers a refreshing alternative to Western interpretations of Dracula. However, some aspects may feel unfamiliar or disjointed to those accustomed to more traditional vampire tales.

An intriguing, eerie, and action-oriented vampire thriller, "Lake of Dracula" will leave you thirsty for more. 🦇

Lake of Dracula is the second entry in the Bloodthirsty Trilogy, a series of Japanese movies inspired by American and European horror cinema, literature and myths. The story revolves around school teacher Kashiwagi Akiko who lives near a peaceful lake. When a coffin is delivered to a local boathouse by a strange truck driver, strange events start to occur. Akiko believes the current events are somehow related to a traumatizing event she went through when she was only five years old. Her joyful sister Natsuko doesn't believe her but her fiancé Doctor Saeki Takashi starts to investigate when one of his patients who lived near the lake is brought to his hospital with two bite marks on her neck.

If compared to the first entry in the franchise, Lake of Dracula isn't as intense from start to finish as the creepy The Vampire Doll. There are a few too many dialogues in the middle section and scenes like the two sisters going shopping in a nearby town are irrelevant to the story. However, the opening flashback has a very eerie atmosphere and the first scene in the present when a mysterious coffin is delivered sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Things start getting really intense in the second half when the protagonist gets attacked at home and her fiancé in his car. From then on, the film has intense pace and ends very dramatically as well.

The settings are perfectly chosen. The beautiful town by the lake turns into a sinister trap. The vampire's strange house has an otherworldly vibe to it. The hospital the doctor works in looks sinsiter at night. The different locations add some diversity to an already entertaining movie.

The acting performances are also quite solid. Fujita Midori delivers the goods as lead actress in her very first film and it's a mystery to me why she only starred in six movies in her whole career. Her fragile yet determined nature is perfecrly balanced in this movie. She harmonizes well with her more rational and grounded partner Takahashi Chôei. Their chemistry is comparable to the couple in the first movie. The mysterious vampire is played by Kishida Shin and truly terrifying. It reminds of several classic American horror movies in a positive way.

The second half of the film might even be better than the one of The Vampire Doll but a slightly dragging middle section makes Lake of Dracula overall a little bit less enjoyable. Still, fans of classic horror cinema will dig the combination of Japanese culture and Western horror tropes. The idea that vampirism was brought to Japan by foreigners as explained in this movie is somewhat awkward but everything else fits together very fluidly. The movie looks a little bit dated nowadays but still convinces with very good acting performances, a lot of atmosphere and great locations.