Caryl
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
Falconeer
Not really a "vampire movie" as the title suggests, this ultra-obscure Iranian film is still quite haunting and atmospheric. A handsome playboy visits his best friend in the Iranian countryside, only to discover that he he has a younger sister who is stunningly beautiful. She is also very naive and innocent, but he cannot resist the young girl's beauty, and he seduces her. She falls for him, her first love, and gives him her virginity. This is a very risqué subject for an Iranian film, as sex before marriage is strictly forbidden in this culture. Anyway he departs soon after, promising the girl that he will return for her. But in the city of Tehran, he meets a married woman, embarks on another affair, and soon forgets about his country sweetheart. Invariably this selfish man ruins the lives of both women, as the young girl ends up pregnant with his child, and the marriage of the city woman is destroyed. Well the two women decide to plan a very clever revenge for this man, that involves an evil curse and vampires. As is the case with most Iranian films, this is a moral tale, that teaches a lesson in morality as it entertains. As I said, this title is ultra-rare, and the only copy I was able to find was an ancient transfer of a poor quality VHS tape. I'm sure this was gorgeous to look at in it's original form. But even watching the awful quality video, the beauty shines through. "Vampire Woman" is worth tracking down for fans of Iranian cinema. Hopefully some day it will be restored and released for a new generation to enjoy. Featuring many wonderful scenes of both Tehran, and the countryside, and offering a fascinating glimpse of Iranian music and culture, this is one film that deserves to be rediscovered.
