twist of fait accomplis

The Vij (aka The Viy and The Vij: Spirit of Evil), 1967
Directors: Georgi Kropachyov and Aleksandr Ptushko
Availability: Medium (on DVD from Image Entertainment)

The Vij is one of those horror movies that comes from a place you wouldn't expect: the Soviet Union (in the 1960s, no less!). Based on a famous ghost/vampire story by Ukranian writer Nikolai Gogol, The Vij's cinematography, set design, and effects create a number of genuinely tense moments that make this movie one not to miss. Floating caskets, witches flying men like a horse, and an all-out assault by zombies, demons, and other ghouls highlight this virtually unknown gem.

Interestingly, there's a loose connection between The Vij's story and Black Sunday, something I hadn't realized until I read this review of the latter. Both movies offer up an experience unlike most other horror films, even amongst those from the same time period. It's a more mature and intellectual experience that remains creepy and effective many years later.