Watch Mr Vampire

Mr Vampire is a classic Chinese horror-comedy film that was released in 1985. The film, which is directed by Ricky Lau, is set against the backdrop of ancient China and is based on Chinese folklore about vampires or “jiangshi.” It became a major success in Hong Kong cinema and eventually spawned a franchise of sequels and spin-offs.

The film begins with the arrival of a wealthy businessman named Master Kau, who hires an eminent Taoist priest named Master Gau to help him place his deceased father in a more auspicious location. However, things take a turn when a small group of bumbling workers accidentally awaken a fearsome vampire, who proceeds to attack them relentlessly. In their panic, they accidentally awaken another vampire, which leads the Taoist priests to intervene.

To combat the undead, the priests use a variety of techniques such as spells, amulets, and talismans. They are also aided by their assistant, a young man named Man-choi, who possesses some supernatural abilities. However, with the vampires taking on increasingly dangerous and sophisticated forms, the priests find themselves struggling to contain them. Along the way, they encounter a series of mishaps, misunderstandings, and comedic moments, as they try to outsmart the vampires and save themselves and their clients.

One of the standout features of Mr Vampire is its mix of horror and humor. On one hand, the film presents the vampires as genuinely frightening creatures with supernatural powers, such as the ability to levitate and transform into different forms. The makeup and special effects used to depict the vampires are also quite impressive for their time, and still hold up well today. On the other hand, the film injects plenty of comedy into the proceedings, often through the antics of the bumbling workers and the exaggerated reactions of the priests. This contrast between horror and humor creates a unique tone that sets Mr Vampire apart from other horror films of its era.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is its use of Taoist mythology and supernatural beliefs. Throughout the film, the priests use a variety of traditional spells and artifacts to ward off the vampires and protect themselves. These include incantations, trigrams, and even magical nail-pulling techniques. The film does a good job of creating a rich and intricate supernatural world that draws on real-life beliefs and practices, and this adds to the overall sense of adventure and excitement.

The film also features a strong ensemble cast, with a good mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces. Lam Ching-ying delivers an outstanding performance as the lead Taoist priest, showcasing both his martial arts skills and his comedic timing. Ricky Hui, who plays Man-choi, provides some much-needed levity and charm to the proceedings, while Chin Siu-ho and Moon Lee are both impressive in their roles as the young lovers caught up in the chaos. Together, the cast creates a fun and engaging dynamic that keeps the audience invested in the story.

Overall, Mr Vampire is a highly entertaining and memorable horror-comedy film that deserves its status as a cult classic. With its unique blend of horror, humor, and supernatural elements, it remains a standout in the Hong Kong cinema landscape. Even today, over 35 years after its initial release, it still manages to appeal to a wide range of audiences and continues to entertain and delight with its memorable characters, thrilling action sequences, and clever comedic moments.