Viy (Spirit of Evil or Vii, Russian: Вий) is a 1967 horror film produced by Mosfilm and based on the Nikolai Gogol story of the same name. It stars Leonid Kuravlev and Natalya Varley.
Plot Teaser
A young priest is ordered to preside over the wake of witch in a small old wooden church of a remote village. This means spending three nights alone with the corpse with only his faith to protect him…
Originally a Ukrainian folk story, this was officially the first Soviet-era horror film released in the USSR. Some of the ‘witch’ scenes and the ending where Viy appears were toned down due to technological limitations as well as then current restrictions on Soviet film production.
A modern version starring Jason Flemyng was in production for several years, being released in 2014. The 1990 Serbian version of the film, called “A Holy Place” was shown during the Fantasia Festival 2010.
Buy Viy on DVD from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk
Reviews
“I cannot rate this title enough to those who love vintage horror, something a little bit weird, lovers of the gothic, and fans of the creature feature, Viy brings it all to the screen in its own inimitable way. The entire piece recreates the atmosphere of a dark gothic painting with the limited sets working in favour to achieve a very strong stylistic statement. While the plot develops like a fairytale the set resembles one too. No restraint has been shown in holding back on the OTT gothic set garnishing either, which of course works in perfect harmony with the story.” The Gore Splattered Corner
Watch Viy:
“Running a tight 72 minutes, this film never overstays its welcome and wisely leaves the viewer wanting more. The second and third witch attacks are among Ptushko’s finest work, as the witch rides her coffin in circles through the air, monsters pour from the walls, giant hands erupt from the floor, and “Viy” himself makes an appearance for the grand finale. The rest of the film is a skillful example of the balance between wonder and dread, with religion playing a prominent role from the opening moments to the final, ironic closing lines.” Nathaniel Thompson, Mondo Digital
“If you can stand the slow start, prepare for a movie that will blow you away during the last half. This is a masterpiece, a pure masterpiece.” Ninja Dixon
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