Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula
2000
DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. Vlad--like Robin--is a .. Read more
| Starring | Rudolf Martin, Peter Weller, Jane March, Roger Daltrey |
|---|---|
| Director | Joe Chappelle |
| Genres | Horror |
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Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula
DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. Vlad--like Robin--is a dispossessed noble, and a patriot who fights the occupation forces of the Turks (rather than the evil usurper, King John). Vlad (Rudolph Martin) meets his Maid Marion, Lidia (Jane March) and finds a Little John--the hulking Bruno (Christopher Brand). The King of Hungary (Roger Daltry) becomes Vald's ally and, with his support, Vlad and his men attack the occupying Turks and turncoat Romanian nobles.
Then, the movie changes tack, and its mood darkens. Lidia discovers what Vlad does to the bodies of his enemies--and she is horrified. When Lidia has a child, Vlad takes control of the boy, and banishes her to a nunnery. Then, Vlad's brother Radu (Michael Sutton) arrives at the head of a large Turkish invasion force. In the end, DARK PRINCE reveals why and how the historical Vlad acquired his notoriety--and spawned Bram Stoker's Dracula.
| Starring | Rudolf Martin, Peter Weller, Jane March, Roger Daltrey |
|---|---|
| Director | Joe Chappelle |
| Studio | CINEMA CLUB |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 28 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Horror |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 20 Mar 2004 Production year: 2000 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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A highly romanticised, yet basically accurate, telling of how 15th-century Romanian warlord Vlad Tepes became the brutal blood-drinking tyrant of Eastern European folklore and the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula character. All the infamous atrocities are present and correct in this swashbuckling horror telemovie — impaling his victims, nailing the helmets to his Turkish enemies' heads, the bitter feud with his bother Radu — and B-movie maestro Joe Chappelle makes the most out of its low budget and Romanian locations. Rudolf Martin acquits himself well as Vlad and The Who's Roger Daltrey convincingly portrays King Janos. The final shift into fantasy is a little awkwardly done but overall it's an impressive take on the historical origins of the vampire myth.
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Most helpful member's review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
The Real Dracula
This movie follows the life of Prince Vlad Dracula or Vlad Tepes rather than the fictional vampire Count Dracula of Bram Stoker's book. Rudolf Martin gives a memorable portrayal of the 'Dark Prince' and his life as ruler in Transylvania, the time he spent in Romania, and also as a 'captive' in Hungary. The scenery has an authentic feel to it and the movie is dark but very compelling. Roger Daltrey gives an adequate performance as the King of Hungary, but Martin is very believable as Prince Vlad.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Fangs for the memories!
Not at all bad... interesting to see the story behind the whole vampire thing. Certainly worth a look, I enjoyed it.
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Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula
DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. ...
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