Alucarda (1977)
Studio: Mondo Macabro
Theatrical Release: January 26, 1978 (Mexico)
DVD Release: March 25, 2003
Director: Juan Lopez Moctezuma
Not Rated
Review by James Klein
This Mexican surreal / satanic film directed by Juan Lopez Moctezuma (producer of El Topo) is one of those films that will leave you wondering what the hell you just saw. The DVD cover even has a quote from the Psychotronic Video Guide that says, "More blood, loud screaming and nudity than any horror film I can think of." That quote pretty much nails what a viewer will get when watching Alucarda.
Justine (Susana Kamini) arrives at a convent after the death of her parents. The nuns all take her in with open arms and the first person she befriends is Alucarda (Tina Romero), a strange but kind girl who dresses in black and seems to have some kind of secret about her that she wants to share with Justine. As the two become close (it is obvious that Alucarda has the hots for Justine) and hang out together all the time, they run into a strange looking gypsy who tries to sell these girls mysterious trinkets that may tell their future. As Justine wants nothing to do with the strange gypsy, Alucarda is strangely entranced by this bizarre man. When the two girls leave and stumble upon an old hidden cemetery, the two girls accidentally open up some sort of gateway to Hell where Justine becomes the victim and Alucarda is possessed by some satanic spirit.
The nuns and priests and even the convent's doctor all try and save these girls but it is too late when Hell is unleashed upon this little convent where everyone becomes a victim in a bloody satanic massacre that takes up almost the entire running of the film. The fact that the movie is under 80 minutes means that most of the film is just pure mayhem. While some of it doesn't make much sense as nuns are flogged, demons suddenly appear out of bloody coffins, priests are set on fire, and orgies start to take place, the viewer simple must have an open mind and forget about plot and just sit back and watch this surreal nightmare unfold.
Much like a Alejandro Jodorowsky film, Alucarda doesn't focus on plot but focuses on images and style and well, shock value. Is Alucarda sacrilege? Not sure but it definitely tries to offend and repulse at any chance it gives. Lesbianism, sex, demons, gore, Alucarda surely isn't a film to show the parents or your kids or someone easily offended.
Mondo Macabro's DVD is well worth the purchase as this supposedly lost film is presented uncut. While the picture is as good as it can get, the print does have some damage to it. In the world where more and more people are used to HD, some viewers may not be able to get past the damaged print. There is also a documentary on the late director as well as an interview with current Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. The original trailer is also included.
It's hard to recommend Alucarda as it is not for everyone. I enjoyed the images and nightmare-ish feel as well as the two leads (Tina Romero is really creepy) so overall I had a good time with this. Just don't go in expecting a coherent plot.
[Rating: 2.5]
Theatrical Release: January 26, 1978 (Mexico)
DVD Release: March 25, 2003
Director: Juan Lopez Moctezuma
Not Rated
Review by James Klein
This Mexican surreal / satanic film directed by Juan Lopez Moctezuma (producer of El Topo) is one of those films that will leave you wondering what the hell you just saw. The DVD cover even has a quote from the Psychotronic Video Guide that says, "More blood, loud screaming and nudity than any horror film I can think of." That quote pretty much nails what a viewer will get when watching Alucarda.
Justine (Susana Kamini) arrives at a convent after the death of her parents. The nuns all take her in with open arms and the first person she befriends is Alucarda (Tina Romero), a strange but kind girl who dresses in black and seems to have some kind of secret about her that she wants to share with Justine. As the two become close (it is obvious that Alucarda has the hots for Justine) and hang out together all the time, they run into a strange looking gypsy who tries to sell these girls mysterious trinkets that may tell their future. As Justine wants nothing to do with the strange gypsy, Alucarda is strangely entranced by this bizarre man. When the two girls leave and stumble upon an old hidden cemetery, the two girls accidentally open up some sort of gateway to Hell where Justine becomes the victim and Alucarda is possessed by some satanic spirit.
The nuns and priests and even the convent's doctor all try and save these girls but it is too late when Hell is unleashed upon this little convent where everyone becomes a victim in a bloody satanic massacre that takes up almost the entire running of the film. The fact that the movie is under 80 minutes means that most of the film is just pure mayhem. While some of it doesn't make much sense as nuns are flogged, demons suddenly appear out of bloody coffins, priests are set on fire, and orgies start to take place, the viewer simple must have an open mind and forget about plot and just sit back and watch this surreal nightmare unfold.
Much like a Alejandro Jodorowsky film, Alucarda doesn't focus on plot but focuses on images and style and well, shock value. Is Alucarda sacrilege? Not sure but it definitely tries to offend and repulse at any chance it gives. Lesbianism, sex, demons, gore, Alucarda surely isn't a film to show the parents or your kids or someone easily offended.
Mondo Macabro's DVD is well worth the purchase as this supposedly lost film is presented uncut. While the picture is as good as it can get, the print does have some damage to it. In the world where more and more people are used to HD, some viewers may not be able to get past the damaged print. There is also a documentary on the late director as well as an interview with current Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. The original trailer is also included.
It's hard to recommend Alucarda as it is not for everyone. I enjoyed the images and nightmare-ish feel as well as the two leads (Tina Romero is really creepy) so overall I had a good time with this. Just don't go in expecting a coherent plot.
[Rating: 2.5]
Post a Comment