Random Horror Movie Of The Week: Doctor Vampire (Jiang shi yi sheng) 1991

Horror Sub-Genre:  Vampires

Year:  1991

Country:  Hong Kong

Language:  Cantonese

Time:  98 minutes

No Tagline

Bonus:  Kung Fu vampires

Watched:  as a recommendation from Amazon Prime

Somewhat recomened if you are a) a fan of Hong Kong action films, b) a fan of horror comedy or c) enjoy somewhat gory slapstick

Just A Few Notes

This version, courtesy of Hong Kong Retro Cinema, (which is right now viewable as part of an Amazon Prime subscription) has some English translations in applicable places, especially the opening scene, which is supposed to be set in England--though the original is completely Cantonese.  Even the non Asian actors, principally the "Master Vampire", assayed by Peter Kjaer, are originally speaking in Cantonese, making it a bit jarring when the dub drops in over their obvious Chinese lines.  But it tends to add a bit to the silly spirit of the film.

The film features genuinely funny moments and has tons of old fashioned slapstick mixed in with joke martial arts--both mimicking and making fun of the Hong Kong action genre; and the film sports few good special effects.  One, quite well done, complete with bad laser eyes that make Big Trouble In Little China seem serious, is a floating vampire effect that has some genuine creep to it.  The rest is pure Hong Kong comedy, filled with over-exaggerated kick and punch sounds.

There is very little in the way of real horror film chills and thrills, but for those who love horror comedy it might be worth a look. Those who love Hong Kong comedy, will surely find it a gem, if they haven't already discovered it.