Zinda Laash (1967)

A scientist creates an elixir of life only to find out after testing it out, that it has turned him into a vampire.

This is the Pakistani version of Dracula. It is also the first film in Pakistan to gain an "X" rating and a warning to never try this genre again. A very valiant effort by the production company to take the Dracula story and make it their own. Pakistan has no version of the vampire myth so this movie was especially challenging to make. In the end, they have managed to shock audiences as well as bringing them to theatres in droves.

This film was almost lost due to cesor issues and general wear and tear. Thankfully, Mondo Macabro went above and beyond to restore and clean it to an almost miraculous effect. One of things that makes it work is the cinematography. It was a mixture of Karl Freund, F.W. Murnau and Terence Fisher. Very expressionistic.

Even though this is a straight up horror movie, some of it might confuse and turn off the more western audiences. Some of the film score doesn't work in some scenes. Plus the song and dance numbers might throw off some folk, but given the context, actually works in the film. So if you can keep in mind that this is a Pakistani film, you'll definitely enjoy it.

This is definitely a movie to own if your a horror, vampire or heck, even if you're a movie fan. This is a testament to the cinematic curiosity and the ability to try things out. I also highly recommend the commentary and essays done by critic and South Asian film historian Omar Kahn on the disc. Very informative and entertaining.

And Chum Chum is HAWT!!

Five Stars!!

Visiting Hours (1982)

After defending an abused woman, a journalist is attacked at her home by a psychotic misogynist. After being saved, the journalist is rushed to the hospital. Little does she know that the psycho has decided to finish the job.

I thought this would be a low rent job, done to ride the coattails of Halloween 2, but it actually stands on it's own two legs. The characters have a bit of detail to them. Michael Ironside is freakin brilliant as the baddie. Every movement he makes has this aura of menace to it. From playing with his stress ball to giving subtle glances to the city girl. All pure Menace.

Another cool thing about the movie is the Canadian feel of the movie. Yes it was distributed by Fox, but the colors are more brighter then usual. The scenes are set up differently as well. I don't know. There's a Canadian..."Presence" to it.

There are some holes in the movie. Areas that are supposed to be populated aren't, some people can't put two and two together, some situations that aren't supposed to happen, happen. I think people can overlook all these holes because the plot is so solid.

I think this is defiantly a buy purchase. Will go great with your collection and is defiantly one to pull out once in a while to enjoy.

Three and a half stars.