BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Fluentiama
Perfect cast and a good story
Ceticultsot
Beautiful, moving film.
Janis
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
woinaroschy_1979
I will repeat what other reviewers have said about this movie before me: if you expect action,horror,gore and sex in the type of Blade or Underworld, don't watch it, because you will be disappointed. This is an "art" movie, directed by a Japanese director, which means that there is little dialog, the plot is very simple, on the limit of boring to some viewers, and that the movie will try to convey to you the feelings of the main characters through a unique filming technique,the lightning, the camera angles and the general atmosphere of the movie. From this point of view this movie is a small masterpiece, describing to perfection the never ending sadness and pain of an immortal and indestructible creature. I have never understood so well a vampire character, nor felt so deeply for one as in this movie. Interview with a vampire came really close, but it lacked the superb atmosphere of Tale of a vampire. What does one have to live for if one has lost the most precious thing in one's life? And how excruciating is it to know that you are condemned to live on, forever, with this pain. It is what Alex, the vampire, is feeling, and the acting from Julian Sands is superb. Suzanne Hamilton is Anne, a woman who has also lost someone dear, and a very complex character to my eyes. Although she barely speaks, you understand that she is brave, lonely, kind, understanding, warm, balancing between despair and hope. The destinies of Anne and Alex cross each other due to the mysterious character Edgar, a reference to the poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe. The movie reflects a lot the sad and tragic atmosphere of his poems, as Anne's and Alex's fate begin to unfold. Fantastic vampire movie! p.s. *major spoiler alert!!!* for those who do not understand why that little girl falls from the sky with a sword in her, it's Edgar's doing to incriminate Alex and force him to kill the witnesses. Edgar has a sword, remember? Also, it looks to me as if Edgar is responsible for the death of Anna's fiancé too since he's at the scene of the car accident in the very first scene. He planned it all to bring these 2 together and have his revenge on Alex.
bellesque
I agree with all the positive comments. I saw this movie mid-1990s and was blown away by it. I've since seen it about six times. Yes, it's slow, and if by 'horror' you mean fast-paced, aggressive, obvious, then this film isn't for you. But if the word horror means an emotion to you and you enjoy seeing that emotion woven into a mosaic of other emotions that will end up creating a rich and complex tapestry on film, one that can move you in a lot of different ways which includes horrifying you, and if you enjoy stylish movies, then you definitely should see this one. Julian Sands is excellent in the vampire role, very quirkily British, and it works wonderfully. I can't say enough good things about this movie. I only came to this site today because I remembered the movie, was telling a friend about it, and wanted to check the release date. From the comments, it's either a love it or hate it movie, it seems. Put me on the love it side.
Elswet
The movie opens upon Julian Sands, lying on his back, a black kitten drooling blood into his awaiting mouth from where he holds it, about two feet above him. That was so provocative, and I thought, "Here we go! A good vampire movie!" And then it died. That was literally the only scene which captured any part of the imagination. It was slow, uneventful drivel thereafter. I was vastly disappointed, as my previous experience with Sands' acting was quite enjoyable. However, this attempt was obviously misdirected and the screenplay left a lot to be desired.Even Julian Sands's questionable performance could not begin to save this already sunken barge of a movie.It rates a 1.1/10 from...the Fiend :.
brandonsites1981
Vampire falls in love with a woman who looks an awful lot like a long lost love of his who died many centuries ago. However, a pesky doctor seems to know more then he is letting on and seems to have an evil motive. All three leads are exceptional (as far as horror movies go), the sets are well done, and the premise & story is intelligent & interesting, but the snail like pace almost does in a fine horror film.Rated R; Violence.