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Vampires in Havana
 
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Vampires in Havana

Manuel Marín (Actor), Margarita Aguero (Actor), Juan Padrón (Director) | Rated: NR (Not Rated) | Format: DVD

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The third feature by Cuban director Juan Padrón, Vampires in Havana (1985) is a silly, raunchy spoof of horror and gangster films. Wolfgang Amadeus von Dracula, the nephew of the famous count, invents a formula that allows vampires to endure sunlight--which he tests on his nephew Joseph "Pepe" Emmanuel. It works so well that Pepe is completely unaware of his true nature; he plays jazz trumpet in a nightclub and joins a cell plotting to overthrow a repressive general. Pepe soon finds himself dodging the general's inept henchmen and rival vampire syndicates who want the valuable formula. Drawn in a simple, cartoony style that suggests a cross between the work of Zagrebfilm and the Mad Magazine cartoons of Sergio Aragones, Vampires in Havana offers American audiences a rare glimpse of the work of one of Cuba's leading animators. Unrated; suitable for ages 16 and up: Nudity, sexual humor, profanity, violence, ethnic stereotypes. --Charles Solomon

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Amazon.com: 4.2 out of 5 stars (13 customer reviews)

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A colorful vampiric satire, April 18 2001
By Michael J. Mazza - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Vampiros en La Habana (VHS Tape)
"Vampires in Havana," written and directed by Juan Padron, is a marvelous animated horror-comedy. The version I have seen is in Spanish, with English subtitles. The story revolves around a vampire scientist who has invented a formula--"Vampisol"--that gives vampires immunity from the deadly rays of the sun. The professor's nephew Joseph, who is the successful "guinea pig" for the experimental formula, finds himself in the middle of a war between rival vampire factions that have an interest in Vampisol.

Bawdy, outrageous, and witty, "Vampires in Havana" effectively spoofs the conventions of vampire films while, at the same time, creating a marvelously multilayered portrait of an international vampire subculture. Artificial indoor vampire beaches, vampire dogs, and other wacky elements are effectively blended into the plot. Capitalistic greed and authoritarian violence are cleverly satirized in the film. Excellent vocal performances, a terrific musical soundtrack, and a charmingly crude animation technique all add to the film's appeal. If you're in the mood for something really offbeat, check out this film.


6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must!, Dec 23 2001
By Maria "MJ" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Vampiros en La Habana (VHS Tape)
"Vampiros en La Habana" is among the funniest movies I've seen. The plot, the language, and the music are remarkable. I have seen it about 10 times and will now buy the video, it is an absolute must!! The characters are candid, witty, downright hilarious at times, and adorable. Don't hesitate, go see it!! get it!! whatever, just don't miss it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Subtle Political Film, July 27 2004
By Dana Garrett - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Vampires in Havana (DVD)
Wolfgang Amadeus von Dracula has discovered a formula that will allow vampires everywhere to enjoy the sunlight by day. Wolfgang knows that his formula is successful because he has given it to his nephew for many years and the sunlight does not harm him. The nephew, Pepe, doesn't know he is a vampire. Because Pepe is liberated to enjoy the sunlight, he thinks nothing of enjoying his life as an individual (he is a trumpet player with healthy sexual appetite) and as a revolutionary, a member of a group intent on assassinating a right-wing general. He is, in effect, socialism's "new man."

It is significant that Pepe doesn't initially know he is a vampire. By not knowing his origin, he is able to lead his life unaware and unaffected by the personal nature that the formula transforms. Wolfgang (who is in some respects like Marx) intends to make the formula available to all vampires free of charge. The lack of the formula keeps vampires longing for the ability to enjoy sunlight as well as dependent on wealthy elite vampires who provide them with artificial sunlight for a hefty price. In short, the vampires are not truly liberated but must accept bastardized versions of true freedom

Wolfgang's offer to socialize the formula becomes the occasion for the audience to see the true nature of the vampires. Rival vampire syndicates battle each other and with Pepe and Wolfgang to control the formula. The syndicates (representing competing capitalist elite groups) are composed of two factions: one that wishes to repress knowledge of the formula altogether (thus preserving the status quo as well as their financial interests as peddlers of artificial daytime tropical beaches) and another that wishes to merchandize the formula to vampires for profit. In the end, Pepe broadcasts the formula by radio to all vampires, reminiscent of Castro's radio broadcasts to Cubans near the end of the Batista dictatorship.

This animated film is a must see.
› Go to Amazon.com to see all 13 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars 

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