but that is exactly whatMr.
Vampire, the 1985 genre mash-up directed byRicky Lau, is.
What Is ‘Mr.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Kau and his apprentices comply, and all hell breaks loose as a result.
It’s never really made clear despite the title).
Vampireis an exceptionally influential film in the greater context of Chinese cinema.
The film brought on the popularity of the jiangshi genre,which, prior toMr.
Vampire, existed almost exclusively in ancient literature, specifically that of the Qing dynasty.
The genre has the very specific trope of following a priest who maintains spiritual power over the undead.
In ancient Chinese literature, the zombies hop around.Mr.
“Come to me.
A spirit of comfort.
Spirit of any celestial sphere.
Hear my call.”
While the specific lore and mechanics of the jiangshi genre were nothing new at the time ofMr.
The filmmaking at hand is also mesmerizing, albeit in a less-than-conventional manner.
Vampireis both cheap and stylish.
While many horror films, even horror comedies, tend to go for a darker look,Mr.
It’s clear that the filmmakers knew exactly what kind of film they wanted to make.
Vampireand open your world up to hopping zombies with long blue fingernails.
Mr. Vampireis available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Watch on Criterion
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