Bled (2009)

Although I really can't imagine why this film seems to have been singled-out for some strange reason, I guess I can understand some of the frustrations with it. It is very slow-paced, and the cast definitely isn't the brightest ever, but nor are they the worst that I've ever seen. Jonathan Oldham was pretty fun as the dashing, sinister and mysterious benefactor who lures the young artiste into the classic Faustian bargain. His master plan did seem a little absurdly complicated. So...he gets someone enslaved to the intoxicating effects of the blood-like tree resin, then they become seduced by the powers of the incubus, which then feeds off their blood and passion until it becomes strong enough to manifest in the physical world, where he can finally steal some of its precious blood in order to extend his own mortal life and continue the cycle. Okay.. I liked the non-too subtle metaphor for drug addiction, which was a theme that was also excellently put to use in the 1988 Henenlotter grisly classic "Brain Damage." And Sarah Farooqui I thought was okay as the lead, distracting accent notwithstanding. She brought a good balance of vulnerability and sensuality. But the character was so gullible and such a bad friend! Upon entering the ethereal dimension she's bewitched in like five minutes tops, and then later on acts all smug and pissy about it when her annoying friend steals the magic crack that she was never even supposed to share in the first place! And yet, even though she wasn't a particularly likable character one way or the other, I somehow get emotionally invested in her little connection to her ex-boyfriend just enough that I can't help but find it powerful and very moving when it gets to the climactic final scenes where she's been totally corrupted and absorbed into the dark world and horrifically transformed into a feral beast herself, and she begs him to say that he loves her, just before also asking him to stake her and save her from the torment of what she's become. I loved the impressive minor cgi effect used whenever someone smokes the root and their face turns ash grey as they embark on their 'trip'. I don't mind the kinds of computer effects that merely enhance what's already there, rather than replacing it. And "Sai" looked so cool and frightening when she was in full vampire-mode. She looked so vicious and spiteful! Pretty fantastic-looking creature. Speaking of great effects, I thought the set design of the dark forest netherworld was awesome. Even though it's admittedly not all that much to look at, for me it was more than enough to convey what I think they were going for: An enchanting, endless dream wasteland of darkness where the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred, and the atmosphere is both oppressively ominous and magically mysterious. Whenever someone enters this place, the tone instantly changes and it feels like they're in a whole other state of being, with the look of everything appearing sharper, clearer and more defined than the regular world. I find that it's the simple, yet wonderfully creative scenes set within the dismal and heady dreamscape that drive the whole film and is where it shines the most. I did like the incubus, the grotesque design of the suit was reminiscent of the creepy Fluke Man monster from the X-Files! He entranced the unwary by taking on the seductive guise of the object's of their heart's desire and secret longings... That's quite a profound idea, it carries a lot of meaning. I don't know if you've ever deeply cared for someone that you probably can't ever have, but who wouldn't fail to be tempted if they were confronted with that? It's something most would give anything for. And to me if nothing else, that at least was captured exquisitely. ::: I like how it takes the incubus and vampire creatures and combines elements of both into what felt like an original and different take on the vampiric theme. And although the story isn't shy about referring to some of the classics of the vampire genre, it features its very own mythology, and thus avoids being just another tired rerun of past successes, and that's something, trying out a new spin on an old idea, and it sure worked for me. If you occasionally enjoy low budget movies, then you can appreciate people who try to write a good story, and what I most enjoy about this is its beautifully Gothic style and the way it rises above the financial shortcomings. Not perfect, but ultimately, both visually and emotionally, a most satisfying and effective experience.

I don't see why all the people are giving this film negative reviews?!?! I loved this movie! Bled is a form of abstract art, and if you don't appreciate art, I can see why you would not like this film. It was a great twist from the average, played out vampire movie. If you are looking for a fresh, new and ingenious new vampire movie, then this is for you. But if you want one of those turn into bats, wolves and melt in the sunlight movies, then go watch your old played out Dracula flicks. Sure, it is a bit on the low budget side, but they did a great job with the budget they had. I'm very happy that I found this movie, because I was about to give up on the vampire genre fro good. I thought this film was brilliant! I give 2 thumbs up to the writer, director and everyone involved in the film.

This movie is probably one of 3 worst movies made in history. I rented this by chance, without reading reviews, and wow, do I regret it. Really has no plot, doesn't really follow the vampire genre. Just plain god awful. Watching this movie will taint your enthusiasm for vampire movies. I felt like the writer/director/producer went on this drug binge and had hallucinations and tried to recreate it on film. Whole time I wanted the movie to end.. but the ending was even more whacked. If this review can save just one person from watching this crap, I felt my time spent on registration and writing this review was well worth it.

What on earth? Like watching an episode of Neighbours after drinking two bottles of cough medicine- nightmarish and making no sense at all. I was waiting for the clever part where everything fits into place and saves the film. Maybe it was there and i just missed it, or was lost on me.My strongest suspicion is that it is a thinly veiled attempt to market a new drug thats about to hit the streets. I wouldn't say "don't watch it" but I will say its pretty poor on every level- like am dram in high def. Whack. Unless you drink two bottles of cough syrup. Then it's just dandy.