Films About the History of Transylvania
Transylvania, a historical region in present-day Romania, is known for its rich and fascinating history. From its ties to the legendary figure of Count Dracula to its diverse cultural heritage, Transylvania has been a subject of interest for filmmakers around the world. Here are some existing films that delve into the history of Transylvania:
“Dracula”, 2020
Director: Jonny Campbell, Paul McGuigan, Damon Thomas
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film is a gothic horror romance based on Bram Stoker's classic novel. It explores the story of Count Dracula, a vampire from Transylvania, and his encounters with the protagonist, Jonathan Harker.
Starring: Claes Bang, Dolly Wells, Morfydd Clark, Lydia West, Jonathan Aris, John Heffernan, Matthew Beard, Sacha Dhawan, Mark Gatiss, Joanna Scanlan, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Clive Russell, Chanel Cresswell, Lujza Richter, Catherine Schell, Lyndsey Marshal, Petra Dubayova, Youssef Kerkour, Paul Brennen, Patrick Walshe McBride, John McCrea, Phil Dunster, Lily Dodsworth-Evans, Samuel Blenkin, Polly Kemp, Sarah Niles, Anthony Flanagan, Alec Utgoff, Millicent Wong, Sofia Oxenham, Lily Kakkar, Kiran Shah, Andrew Byron, Anna Swan, Natasha Radski, Cat White, Scott Karim, Corinna Wilson, Olivia Klein, Katherine Jakeways, Anthony Kaye, Ria Fend, Ketan Majmudar, Rob Horrocks, Tom Leigh, Dilyana Bouklieva, Tim Ingall, Abdulla Majid, Veronica Stanwell;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: horror, fantasy, action, thriller, drama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Dracula” on the website imdb.com
“Transylvania 6-5000”, 1985
Director: Rudy De Luca
A comedy film directed by Rudy De Luca, “Transylvania 6-5000” takes a humorous approach to the history and legends of Transylvania. It follows two tabloid reporters who travel to Transylvania to investigate the existence of monsters.
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Joseph Bologna, Ed Begley Jr., Carol Kane, Jeffrey Jones, John Byner, Geena Davis, Michael Richards, Donald Gibb, Norman Fell, Teresa Ganzel, Inge Appelt, Bozidar Smiljanic, Petar Buntic, Dusko Valentic, Ksenia Prohaska, Sara Grdjan, Nada Abrus, Visnja Babic, Slobodan Milovanovic, Vida Jerman, Vjenceslav Kapural, Robert F. Lyons;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: horror, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5;
More information about the film “Transylvania 6-5000” on the website imdb.com
“The Historian”, 2014
Director: Miles Doleac
This historical drama, set in Transylvania during the 15th century, explores the life of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the character of Count Dracula. It delves into the political and social turmoil of the era, as well as Vlad's infamous methods of ruling.
Starring: William Sadler, Glynnis O'Connor, Colin Cunningham, John Cullum, David Simpson, Leticia Jimenez, Miles Doleac, Michael Emery, Lindsay Anne Williams, Mike Mayhall, Kristin Samuelson, Scotty Whitehurst, Tamarah Murley, Jillian Taylor, Santana Jackson, Katherine Newcomb, Clint Breland, David Allison DeWitt, Haley Agnew, LaNita Rowland, Todd Grove, Benjamin Roark, Meagan Moses, Vickie Hall, Ryan Haik, James Wirt;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,7;
More information about the film “The Historian” on the website imdb.com
“Shadow of the Vampire”, 2000
Director: E. Elias Merhige
Directed by E. Elias Merhige, this film is a fictionalized account of the making of the silent horror film “Nosferatu.” It imagines that the actor playing Count Orlok is actually a real vampire, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Starring: John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Udo Kier, Cary Elwes, Catherine McCormack, Eddie Izzard, Ronan Vibert, Aden Gillett, Nicholas Elliott, Sophie Langevin, Myriam Muller, Milos Hlavac, Marja-Leena Junker, Derek Kueter, Norman Golightly, Patrick Hastert, Sascha Ley, Marie-Paule von Roesgen, Jean-Claude Croes, Christophe Chrompin, Graham Johnston, Orian Williams, Radica Vujicin;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: horror, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Shadow of the Vampire” on the website imdb.com
“The Keep”, 1983
Director: Michael Mann
Directed by Michael Mann, “The Keep” is a supernatural horror film set in Transylvania during World War II. It follows a group of German soldiers who awaken an ancient evil within a mysterious fortress.
Starring: Scott Glenn, Alberta Watson, Jürgen Prochnow, Robert Prosky, Gabriel Byrne, Ian McKellen, William Morgan Sheppard, Royston Tickner, Michael Carter, Phillip Joseph, John Vine, Jona Jones, Wolf Kähler, Rosalie Crutchley, Frederick Warder, Bruce Payne, David Cardy, John Eastham, Philip Bloomfield, Yashar Adem, Stephen Whittaker, Ian Ruskin, Stephen Jenn, Benedick Blythe, Robin Langford, Renny Krupinski, Peter Guinness, Sean Baker, Timothy Block, Owain Griffiths, Ralph G. Morse, Doug Robinson, Peter Ross-Murray;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: horror, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “The Keep” on the website imdb.com
“Underworld”, 2003
Director: Len Wiseman
This action-horror film, directed by Len Wiseman, is set in a modern-day world where vampires and werewolves, known as Lycans, are engaged in a secret war. While not solely focused on Transylvania, the film incorporates Transylvanian folklore and history into its mythology.
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly, Bill Nighy, Erwin Leder, Sophia Myles, Robbie Gee, Wentworth Miller, Kevin Grevioux, Zita Görög, Dennis J. Kozeluh, Scott McElroy, Todd Schneider, Sándor Bolla, Hank Amos, Zsuzsa Barsi, Richard Cetrone, Mike Mukatis, Sándor Boros, János Oláh, Andreas Patton, Jazmín Damak, Atilla Pinke, Judit Kuchta, Vanessa Nagy, Ildikó Kovács, Pierre Peters-Arnolds, Ekkehardt Belle, Claus Brockmeyer, Reinhard Brock, Pascal Breuer, Kathrin Gaube, Madeleine Stolze, Brian Steele, Kurt Carley, Rana Morrison, Zoltan Papp;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: fantasy, action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
These films offer a variety of perspectives on the history of Transylvania, from horror and comedy to historical drama. Whether you're a fan of vampire legends or interested in exploring the real-life historical events that shaped the region, these films provide an intriguing glimpse into the captivating history of Transylvania.
As the curtain falls on this captivating selection of films about the history of Transylvania, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the allure and mystique of this ancient land have been expertly captured on the silver screen. From the hauntingly atmospheric landscapes to the rich tapestry of folklore and legend, these films have transported audiences through the annals of time, shedding light on the enigmatic history of Transylvania. Through compelling storytelling and evocative visuals, these films have breathed new life into the age-old tales of Dracula, the Carpathian Mountains, and the enduring legacy of this captivating region. Whether delving into the realms of horror, fantasy, or historical drama, these films have not only entertained but also deepened our appreciation for the complex and enduring history of Transylvania.
