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Summary: FOR THE TRUE VLAD TEPES FANS!!
Review: Ok, if u r a fan of Dracula horror movies, this is prolly not the movie for u. If u r a fan of the history of Vlad Tepes(the real Dracual)this is for u. This movie gives the factual history of Prince Vlad's life which was what Bram Stoker based his novel Dracula on. Of course their r some untrue hollywood glam effects in this movie but other wise its a gr8 film. If ur someone who is interested in the myth of vampires, I would recommend this movie. I have been studying the myth of vampires for years and was shocked how well hollywood followed to the actual truth. Plus, Rudolf Martin plays a gr8 Vlad and hes nice to look at:0)
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Summary: The real story of Dracula...
Review: Or so they would have us believe. This film is strongly influenced by the Bram Stoker novel in mood and menace, but it is still highly entertaining and quite well done. Meant to be a historical drama about the real life of Vlad the Impaler, Dracula: The Dark Prince takes us to Romania in the 1400's, to see what made the man the legend he is today. The story is told from Vlad's point of view, as he recounts the story of his life before an Orthodox Ecclesiastical Court in defense of his crown. We first see Vlad as a child, training for battle with his father and younger brother, Radu. But soon after, Vlad's father is killed by the noblemen of his own country, who are constantly looking after their own interests above anything else. His brother kidnapped and brainwashed by a perverted Turkish Sultan, and himself believed to be long dead, Vlad eventually raises an army to help him take back the throne that rightfully belongs to him from the noblemen and their hand picked NEW prince. Once back in power, Vlad and his beautiful, new, young wife commence to having a son. Simultaneously, Vlad takes his revenge on the noblemen of his country who were responsible for the death of his father and so many others. With that matter taken care of, Vlad focuses on his main interest, dealing with the accursed Turks that have plagued him all his life. This brings up the problem of his younger brother, who is now one of them, and matters are not helped by the failing mental state of Vlad's wife, who is disturbed more and more as she discovers the brutality of her husband's style of government.
While the film does mention and even depict Vlad's more legendary and gruesome exploits, those that were less likely to be true were presented only as rumors amongst the people and noblemen of Romania that the Prince himself always denied. The film doesn't really take much of a fantasy angle, it simply drops hints here and there to remind you that this is the man known as Dracula. True, in the end the possibility that Vlad did become one of the undead is left open, but even the act that many have claimed ruined the reality of the film could easily be interpreted as the hallucination of a dying man. Overall, this is a pretty good film for what it is, and I recommend it to all fans of Dracula, real or imaginary.
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Summary: Dark Prince: The true story of Dracula
Review: Originally airing on USA Tv Network, Dark Prince is the story of "Dracula's" early life and the events which twisted him. Certainly not the most cutting edge movie, but if you're interested in a dark film with a new take on an old story, this is your best bet.
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Summary: Destined for "cult" status...
Review: Rudolf Martin is superb--often electrifying--as Vlad "The Impaler";Medieval Romanian/Transylvanian Prince whose unrelentant savagery as ruler and warrior are regarded as basis of the DRACULA legend. Once again ARTISAN conglomerate sponsors a "sleeper" which may achieve cult status. The story is not Vampire "adventure" or even occult epic (like Copolla's version). This DARK PRINCE presents a GRAND INQUISITION where Vlad Tepes...fiercely defiant as "annointed ruler"...relates events of a life comprising acts of staggering brutality before an Orthodox Ecclesiastical Court.Viewers familiar with historical Dracula will nonetheless be stunned by scenes of ("judicial")impalings! There are "mythical" nailings of Turkish emissaries' turbans to their heads for insolence. The anti-fairy tale of Vlad's fabulous Chalice of Tempation--daring anyone to steal it!--placed near Village Green Fountain to refresh the thirsty is an ironic scare. There are (thankfully brief)"indictment dream-sequences" accusing him of publically sopping daily bread in wine-cellar-stored blood of enemies, and consuming it in unholy communion as Anti-Christ. Yet he unrepentantly reminds Accusers he's both Church Defender and Protector of the Nation.The film is grim, swift, brutal and likely nonsense.(It's not pornographic nor, in my estimate, gratuitously sensational.) Ironically:it may be among best DRAC movies made. Who knows/cares how much is true? That it's "unpretty" good, is what COUNTS....
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Summary: The Romanian Braveheart
Review: The Bram Stoker artifact and historical truth are at serious odds with each other in Dracula: The Dark Prince. As a result, this movie may disappoint many a Dracula fan. That said, though, the biographical details seem somewhat forced to conform to the Dracula legend; therefore, it may disappoint viewers who appreciate good dramatic history too! In fact, its lower-budget melodramatic gothic penchant for romance, marital hysteria, dramatic dialogues, and over-usage of dark, closed-in, night scenes may disappoint many a movie-goer, at first viewing at least.
The rather interesting closing screen comments, however, are what most help the viewer to assess whether or not the movie was a success or failure. For example, "In 1931, explorers dug up the tomb of Vlad Dracula, the Impaler; and they found only animal bones. In Romania, Vlad Dracula is still remembered as a savior to his country. Many pray for his return!" In my opinion, it merits judging as a success, but, perhaps not successful enough! After all, here is a man believed to be a new messiah (not only an antichrist), yet the movie does little to define the messianic fervor of his life-long fight against the Turkish Sultan Mohammed! Here is a man who was loved (and is still loved today, more than 600 years after his death) by the subjects and citizens of his land, yet the movie again fails to illuminate this aspect of his reign! Etc.
In brief, the biographical facts suggest that a very different movie could/should have been made. It should not have been a movie that pays respectful homage to coffin odors and Bram Stokers' gothic imagination but a movie that lets the viewers breath the same exhilaratingly fresh air as that breathed by a person whose true passion is for freedom and victory against incredible, overwhelming odds! That said, this Romanian Prince merits a movie similar to Braveheart; he was the Romanian Braveheart!
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Summary: A good movie on a complex theme
Review: This film is a very brave effort to cover the complex story of Vlad Dracula or Vlad Tepes (the impaler). It is a story of a Romanian prince who tries to keep his country independent from the Turks. Although outnumbered and outgunned he makes every effort to unite and prepare his country for a long fight with the Ottomans. The film depicts the conspiracies and back manoeuvres at the court levels very well and the viewer will get an idea of the historical settings. Also, the costumes and the images of the castles in the background are fairly accurate. In short, it is not a fantastic but interesting movie. Towards the end, the film makers do something utterly unnecessary: they link the Vlad Tepes story to the Dracula theme of Bram Stoker. Something that is taken from the realms of fantasy. Vlad Tepes was never connected to the vampyre theme. This is an innovation of literature and the film makers unfortunately follow it, instead of just leaving the story as it is; a story that is interesting enough to stand on its own.
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Summary: DRACULA NOT WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT
Review: this movie is ecspecially good for history fans because of its place with the ottoman empire. it is one of my favorite movies because there is truth behind the tale and it shows what it origionally was before blood-sucking vampires were introduced into society and their sterio-types. it is a very enchanting tale as well as informing, i suggest this movie to all history fans and drama fans. its so intense.
Rating: 
Summary: nice try, better luck next time
Review: This was a bit of a disappointment for me. The truth is more terrifying than the myth? Well, this Dracula is about as terrifying as your local pharmacist. In fact he's portrayed as a relatively nice guy. Not the bloodthirsty sadist history tells us he is. This would have been a better film if they would have stuck close to history rather than romanticizing the legend. Vlad the Impaler is portrayed as a brooding, misunderstood hero that bares more resemblance to the singer of a Gothic Rock band than to the mustachioed, wild eyed, gaudily dressed mad prince of the old paintings and woodcuts. His violent actions are toned down and justified. I also found it funny how the cover of this dvd shows a vampire with fangs and demonic eyes. The true story of Dracula has nothing at all to do with vampires. Seems like a lame marketing ploy. Overall, the atmosphere was enjoyable as well as the settings. For that this film gets 2 stars. I'm still waiting for an accurate portrayal of the infamous Impaler.
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Summary: great film about the real "Vlad Dracula"
Review: Though some of the facts were incorrect in this film, it was interesting nonetheless. Those who have seen this film and enjoyed it, I would refer them to read the book "Vlad III, the life and times of the historical Dracula".
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Summary: DARK PRINCE
Review: Want to see a Vampire movie with a diffrance (in that no actual vampires apper - but is sujested right at the end!) this is the TRUE tail of Vald and his fall from grace into the dark, murky, and brutal world he finds himself part of - see how one normal man turns into a true legend of our times.
As a big fan of Vampires, Vald is the first and best of the bunch only such a powerful story such as this shows the true monster he became, much more frigtning than any fangs and capes could ever hope to be - see this is you have ever wanted to know how the whole Vampire legend started.
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