Evil of Dracula

So after subscribing to Arrow Video service on Prime (initially started to watch the move Spanish movie REC) I was looking through their Asian movie catalogue. This is where I was introduced to Michio Yamamoto. The concept is great and the acting and pacing is good too. It reminded me of Hammer horror films. There is a lot conveyed in the short runtime of the movie.

While I did enjoy the film, there was a lot of back and forth in the scenes which I personally thought wasn't necessary. I think I would've enjoyed more focus on the back story of the occult, rather than a quick glance over it.

But this has started my exploration into the Yamamoto universe.

I recently watched The Evil of Dracula (1974) on Tubi. The film centers on a school led by a principal who is revealed to be a vampire, with his wife residing in a coffin at home alongside three vampire mistresses. When a suspicious teacher begins investigating the principal's home, he risks disappearing forever.

Directed by Michio Yamamoto (known for The Vampire Doll & Lake of Dracula), the film stars Kunie Tanaka (Sanjuro), Katsuhiko Sasaki (Terror of Mechagodzilla), Midori Takei (Brain 17), and Shin Kishida (Shogun Assassin).

While The Evil of Dracula maintains a high standard, it doesn't quite reach the level of its predecessors in the trilogy. The film excels in its elite attire, settings, and background music, while the blood-drinking scenes are effectively executed. However, the mind control elements lack the intensity seen in previous installments, and I found myself missing the distinctive "crazy eyes" of the vampires from Lake of Dracula. Despite this, the dialogue and storyline remain engaging, with standout sequences depicting stabbings, corpses, and the aftermath of vampire destruction.

In conclusion, while The Evil of Dracula may not surpass The Vampire Doll or Lake of Dracula, it still offers enough compelling elements to warrant a viewing. I'd give it a 6.5-7/10 and recommend watching it at least once.

In the secluded halls of "Chi o suu bara" (a.k.a. "Evil of Dracula"), director Michio Yamamoto conjures a uniquely Japanese vampire tale. While Dracula himself remains elusive, the film's cyanotic bloodsuckers and eerie atmosphere cast a hypnotic spell.

Professor Shiraki (Toshio Kurosawa) arrives at the Seimei School for girls, where tragedy lingers like a shadow. The principal's wife lies in the basement, her coffin awaiting the customary seven days. As students vanish, Shiraki grapples with nightmares and inexplicable encounters. The scent of roses-white, then crimson-haunts the bitten.

Toshio Kurosawa's portrayal of Shiraki balances skepticism and dread. His encounter with a vampire-dismissed as a dream-sets the stage for chaos.

Kunie Tanaka's Doctor Shimimura unravels the mystery of tiny needle marks on a fainting student. The symbolism of the white rose turning red adds an intriguing layer.

Omoe Mari's Keiko Nonomiya, the missing student, embodies vulnerability and allure. Her transformation is both tragic and seductive.

Shin Kishida commands the screen as the main bloodsucker. His savage hunger and physical power evoke primal fear.

"Evil of Dracula" dances on the edge of folklore and fever dream. Its flaws-awkward dialogue and shallow emotions-fade against the crimson backdrop. A cult gem for vampire aficionados.

🌑🌹 Sink your teeth into this Japanese nocturne-a haunting symphony of blood and longing. 🌑🌹

Professor Shiraki (Toshio Kurosawa) travels from Tokyo to the countryside by train to work as a psychology teacher in the Seimei School for girls. There is a driver waiting for him and he sees a car accident on the road. He learns that the principal´s wife died in the accident. When they arrive at the school, the Principal (Shin Kishida) welcomes him and Shiraki offers his condolences to him. He tells that the coffin of his wife will stay in the basement for seven days as per the local costume. He also tells that Shiraki was chosen to be the next principal of the school. During the night, Shiraki has a dreadful nightmare with the principal´s wife. Soon he befriends three students and learns that a roommate has disappeared and other students are also missing. What is the mystery of the Seimei School for girls?

"Chi o suu bara", a.k.a. "Evil of Dracula", is the third vampire film by Toho Studios. There is no Dracula in the story despite the American title. However it is cult and does not disappoint the fans of a vampire movie. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Maldição de Drácula" ("The Curse of Dracula")

The 1974 Japanese horror film "Chi o suu bara," or "The Evil of Dracula" in the West, is an intriguing entry into the vampire genre. With a unique blend of influences and a distinct style, this film is an oddball yet entertaining addition to the vampire canon.

"Chi o suu bara" is the final installment of Toho's 'Bloodthirsty Trilogy,' directed by Michio Yamamoto, and it certainly has a flavor all its own. The film draws heavily on the Hammer Horror vibe, with a touch of Italian flair and even a hint of Godzilla-esque monster movie thrown in for good measure. This eclectic mix of influences gives the film a unique tone and style that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

The story follows the classic battle between good and evil, with Shiraki and Kumi facing off against Dracula and his undead minions. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the film has a certain charm and offers some fun, gruesome special effects. The ending, in particular, is abrupt yet satisfying, delivering on the vampire action that audiences crave.

One of the most memorable aspects of the film is its aesthetic. With a mix of wide-screen presentation and Eastern trimmings, the film has a retro 70s cheese factor that is hard to resist. The lead villain, Dracula, sports an unusual Ralph Bates-inspired bouffant hairstyle, adding a touch of humor to the horror.

The cast, including Toshio Kurosawa, Kunie Tanaka, and Katshuhiko Sasaki, deliver solid performances, though it is the unique blend of genres and the film's overall strangeness that truly shine. This film will appeal to those who enjoy weird and wonderful genre pieces that embrace their oddities.

While it may not be the scariest entry into the horror genre, "Chi o suu bara" is an enjoyable watch and a refreshing take on vampire lore. It embraces its B-movie status with gusto and provides a unique cultural twist on a familiar tale.

For fans of vampires and retro horror, this film is worth a watch, if only to experience a different take on a familiar legend. While it may not be a masterpiece, "Chi o suu bara" is an entertaining and memorable addition to the world of Dracula.