NightWatch (not to be confused with Nightwatch or Night Watch) is Timur Bekmambetov's dark paranormal fantasy film from 2004. Timur is a Russian/Kazakh director who is also known for Wanted, and is currently in production for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
The only version I know of is in Russian, with English subtitles. It works perfectly, and over-dubbing is useless and annoying anyway.
It's a story about the "Light Others" of the NightWatch versus the "Dark Others" of the DayWatch which are essentially just good and evil vampires who vie for control of the human world.
This is not your average vampire film. There is no romance. There is no eroticism. In fact, nearly everything is dark, gruesome and incredibly visceral, but the film is very well done, and incredibly entertaining if you are a fan of horror and unique special effects.
The cinematography and production design are impeccable, and are probably the very best aspects of the film. It takes place in "present day" Moscow, and the feel of the setting is very genuine.
Here is the trailer:
I can definitely recommend this film for any fan of all things dark and twisted, but it's not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for children.
35 comments:
Yep, I have watched it and the sequel twice each. I can't say that I love them, since they are certainly flawed, but there is so much that is fascinating about them. The cinematography is amazing.
I second what Ted said - seen both movies and they weren't great but they were fascinating. Wonder why they never made the third book into a movie?
I've never heard of them. Probably not my kind of movie, especially since there's no romance. I have to have me some romance, even if it's just a lingering glance. ;)
Kudos to you for watching anything with subtitles. LOL I can handle that for a bit, but for the entire movie...not so much. I've never heard of this.
You are right. I have seen it and I enjoyed it immensely. I love foreign vampires. American vampires are so BORING! with the exception of 30 days of Night, that was delightfully violent, like vampires should be. The books are better, as books often are...well, the first two are any way. there are four books total. I'll stop talking now. ;)
No wait, I'm wrong. There's only three...stoopid, Hannah. I need my morning tea. NightWatch, DayWatch and TwilightWatch or something like that. Curse my morning brain!
I love both foreign films and scary films, but usually like more psychological horror than blood and guts horror. That said, my hubby and I just saw Zombieland on Netflix and we both really liked it.
The movie poster alone scares the whatsis out of me. I stopped watching horror a few years ago because it felt so pessimistic and brutal to me. For some reason, I can take it in books, but not in movies.
I liked that movie. I thought it was beautifully filmed but, honestly, the story left me a little cold. All I remember about it is how cool it looked.
And, I'll admit that I liked Wanted. My guy (a longtime comics enthusiast) makes a face when I say that but I figure guilty pleasures are very important in life.
The picture looks as scary as you make it sound. To tell you the truth, I can write scary stuff but I don't read too much of it and I can't watch it. I'm a big baby.
Have a great weekend!
I'ma have to watch that. Thank god for Netflix, amiright?
They have an English dub version and as shocking as it is, the dub is pretty decent. I like both versions. My copy has both the English dub and the Russian with subtitles - they contain some different scenes as well so watching both versions gives you a slightly different experience.
If you loved the movie, can I recommend reading the books? They have all been printed in English and while some of the translation is awkward (there are a few jokes I'm pretty sure got lost in translation) these are some of the best paranormal books I have ever read. They are scary and grim and dark and horrible and wonderful and magical. The books are a little different from the movies as the books are broken up into parts and sometimes each part is narrated by different characters. The first book, NightWatch, is from the light others perspective, the second book, DayWatch is from the dark others perspective, and the third and fourth books have some mixes and some other people involved. The first movie covers the first "part" of the first book.
The second movie is really kind of terrible and aside from the characters has nothing to do with any of the books.
I'm like Theresa, I can write horror but I don't usually watch it. Not unless hubby makes me. I sat through the first 4 saw movies before I put my foot down and said no more.
I have had this and Daywatch on my Netflix queue for a very long time but I keep moving it down because my wife doesn't like to watch foreign films. See doesn't even like Spanish language films and that's her first language. She only prefers American made films, but maybe she'd watch it if it were dubbed.
If I start watching films by myself during the week maybe I'll get it to watch then.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Eh, how did I never hear about this movie? It looks trippy, yet bad-a! Thanks Matt.
I'm at work so can't watch the trailer but by golly I want to see this film just by reading your write up of it!! I want I want!!! Take care
x
Yep, I can tell. Not my cup of tea. I'd have nightmares.
I am VERY faint of heart, so I won't be putting this on my list. Interesting trailer, though, and I can really see how it would be great for people who love horror.
Man, I am terrified of my own shadow, so I definitely think this isn't for me. I still have nightmares about The Ring.
Any film that keeps vampires strictly as monsters is cool in my book. I'll have to check this out. Great review.
Cool! Thanks for the review and heads up Matthew!
Will have to check it out.
This looks great! Definitely checking it out!!
It's Friday, I've got things to do. But first, let me tell you how awesome you are.
I haven't seen this, but since you say it's for the faint-hearted... it's probably not for me! I have nightmares just staring into dark corners!
I had a small heart attack watching that trailer. Just kidding.
I'm not a huge horror fan, but the movie does look fascinating!
Also, remember not to confuse these with "Night Court."
Totally different beastie, haha.
but is there any kissing? ;p
Loved this movie! Have you read the book?
That trailer made me literally jump! Oh boy, I definitely couldn't handle in the theater, but...maybe small screen I'll be okay??? The cinematography alone looks worth it.
Thanks for reading my interview over at Jen's today. :)
Hey, that looks good. How have I never heard of it?
And dubbed movies drive me crazy.
Sounds like a cool movie - but not for me. I think I may fall into the "not for children" category when it comes to films like this.
That sounds like an awesome movie - I'll have to grab my friends after spring break and watch it. :) Thanks for the review! I always love watching/reading things about vampires where vampires are actually... you know, vampires. In the evil, powerful way. Not that variations are bad, I just prefer my bloodsuckers villainous.
Although I like the idea of good v. evil vampires too. Hmmm.
I love a good scary movie! The creepier the better...
Matthew, I'm having a critique contest over at my blog. Judith Engracia is judging it...if you are interested. :)
Ok, I'm going to have to add this to Netflix queue - it looks interesting. I like thinks with darker vampires, we seem to have been overtaken by the sensitive sort lately...
Thanks for the review!
I've been dying to watch this ever since I saw Wanted. Three times. In the theater. And once at home. Awesomesauce.
I do believe it's on Netflix streaming, now! I know what *I'm* doing tonight.... >:)
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