Viy is based on the same story, written by Nikolai Gogol, that inspired Mario Bava's masterpiece, Black Sunday. While the films have some similarities; for example, a witch and a fairytale atmosphere; the two really aren't much alike. Black Sunday went more for the straight horror, and was a better film for it. Viy is more of a religious themed film, and the witch plot line offers more in the way of the faith of the lead character than actual horror. The film has a massive amount of cult value, mostly due to the fact that it's not much like any other movie in terms of its style. The music and atmosphere combine to give it an other-worldly feel, and this helps massively where the plot is concerned. The basis of the film follows a man of God who must spend three days and three nights presiding over the corpse of a young girl, who also happens to be the local witch. Being dead isn't much of a hindrance to the witch, as she bombards our hero with black magic. With only his faith to protect him; will he be able to last three nights with her corpse?

The first half of the movie is really rather dull, as not a lot happens and it seems to mostly be a set-up for the latter section. The plot does pick up as the film goes on; but the film is never massively engaging, and that is its main downfall. However, the cinematography is great; and Viy has a very vibrant feel throughout. Black Sunday had a similar vibrant feel; and this film gives the viewer an idea of what Bava's film might have looked like in colour. The scenes that take place inside the church are the movie's main strongpoint, thus making it a shame that there aren't more of them. These scenes look great and brilliantly offset the gentle tone of the rest of the film. The climax delivers the best part of the movie, and the special effects there, while obviously cheap, look stunning and brilliantly suit the style of the film. Russia isn't very well known for its film industry, and this was one of the first horror films produced in the Soviet Union. Modern flick Night Watch has given the Russian film industry a new lease of life recently; and this film, like most other classics, is set for a remake. Oh well...I recommend Viy mainly to fans of art-house cinema.

Three drunken Russian seminarians are going home and ask for lodge to an old woman. Actually, she is a witch, who captures one of them and uses him like a flying broom. The young priest fights with her and kills her. After her death, she becomes a young and beautiful woman. Her rich father calls the young priest and orders him to stay with her body in an wooden church, praying for three nights, as per her daughter's wish before die. The witch summons many creatures from hell to fight against the priest. This tale is very interesting, weird and non-sense, having a wonderful photography and excellent special effects for a 1967 film. I dare to say that the story is a little crazy, maybe better understood by Russians, since it is based on their folklore. Anyway, I believe that fans of horror movies will like it. The atmosphere in the church is very dark. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): `Viy – O Espírito do Mal' (`Viy – The Evil Spirit')

Nikolai Gogol was a Ukrainian-Russian author. His works included "The Government Inspector" (filmed as "The Inspector General" starring Danny Kaye). But one of his most famous works is "Viy", whose title refers to a demonic entity. A notable movie adaptation of this story was Mario Bava's "Black Sunday", starring Barbara Steele. This was a loose adaptation; while watching it I suspected that the main purpose was to show off Barbara Steele.

But here we have a more faithful adaptation. And believe me, it has some intense scenes! Parts of the movie reminded me of Vincent Price movies, but once the main character has to face the body, things really get going. I guess that the point is that a well done horror flick is bound to be fun no matter which country it comes from. The Soviet Union's first horror movie isn't, say, "The Shining", but it delivers what it promises. I enjoyed it.