Rasputín, el monje maldito

In case you're anxious to find out more about the TRUE story of Rasputin, you better search for some lame books in a library or attend classes given by nearly dead history teachers as accuracy isn't exactly this film's biggest trump! However, if you're hoping to see an exciting and atmospheric adventure, this Hammer highlight is highly recommended! It's one of the rather few movies centering on Russia's most infamous history icon Grigori Rasputin. The story especially focuses on his persona and not exactly on his place in history. Rasputin is a barbaric and womanizing drunkard, but gifted with astonishing healing powers and hypnotizing skills. When the monastery doesn't put up with his vile and aggressive actions any longer, he travels to St. Petersburg where he works himself all the way up into the Tsar-family, through manipulation of servants and innocent women. The film uses good looking set pieces and costumes but, naturally, it wouldn't be half as memorable if it weren't for Christopher Lee. Our legendary horror vet gives away one of the most energetic performances in horror-history and he really does look terrifying! It seemed to me that Lee was happy for not wearing his Dracula outfit for a change and this definitely reflects in his great acting. The tension and eeriness in 'Rasputin: The Mad Monk" entirely relies on Lee's charisma, grimaces and rude voice. The supportive cast is more than decent, with familiar names like Barbara Shelley (Dracula Prince of Darkness, Quartermass and the Pit), Susan Farmer (Die, Monster Die) and Richard Pasco (The Gorgon) as Rasputin's petrified opponents. Don Sharp once again does a solid directing job and I wish to stress again that he's a vastly underrated filmmaker. Sharp has made some really good genre movies that remain undiscovered to this date, like "Dark Places", "Psychomania" and "Kiss of the Vampire".

I've read quite a few reviews of this film shunning it do to lack of historical fact or shoddy scriptwriting. Obviously these people have no clue about what Hammer films are and what they're meant to be. This film is another Hammer classic, hilarious and well-acted, excellent quality cinematography, and not to be taken the slightest bit seriously.

Christopher Lee is *the* hammer actor (well...with Peter Cushing running a close second;), and he plays the *perfect* Rasputin! The evil dictator laugh down-pat, the eyes are beyond eerie, and even his gait, his posture, his body language all work perfectly. And Barbara Shelley is definitely a solid, stereotypical, 'femi-victim', and she plays beautifully off of Lee.

The only qualm I have about this film is the ending, which was a touch too anti-climactic...although I bought the special edition with trailers and TV spots at the end which improved the ending dramatically (I wish I could find one of those 'free Rasputin beards'...)

Overall: This is not one of the best Hammer films, it's not Blood of Dracula or The Devil Rides Out...but it's up there, and it has all the great elements: cheezy soft-gore effects (love that severed hand!!), *almost* nudity, maniacal laughter, tension-riddled music...it's fun from beginning to end! 7/10.

"Rasputin: The Mad Monk" is an average Hammer film, but with Christopher Lee and the lovely Barbara Shelley in the lead roles of the evil Rasputin and the sweet Sonia respectively. The story is highly entertaining and it is funny to read that it is "historically inaccurate". My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Rasputin: O Monge Louco" ("Rasputin, The Mad Monk")

Without the benefit of comparison, I found this a very entertaining thriller. Once more we are treated to a superb Christopher Lee performance; this time as he plays the infamous monk who insinuates himself into the Russian Royal court through hypnotic, albeit mystical subterfuge.

I have read reviews of those disappointed with this version and though I can not purport to have seen any of the others, may I suggest that perhaps familiarity with the subject matter thereby gained has bred some contempt for this version which may contain any number of historical inaccuracies. For I am sure that those uninitiated with the Rasputin tale - or who are at least willing to forgo their usual academic prejudice - and who delight in Hammer's 60s catalogue, will instantly warm to this film.

This viewer is not surprised to learn that this Hammer production is far from being an accurate portrayal of the real-life Russian peasant monk. It's to be expected that for the sake of a good show that films such as this will play fast and loose with the facts. However, it must be said that this IS a damn good show.

Lee is allowed the chance to really cut loose for once, and he does a marvelous job of going over the top as the lusty, life-of-the-party Rasputin, who has genuine healing abilities but also a very conniving and self-serving nature. After gaining some attention for curing a sick woman, he soon finds a means of manipulating his way into the royal family of early 20th century Czarist Russia. Naturally, there are those who aren't fooled by him and will seek to destroy him once they have the chance.

The Hammer studio does an immaculate job, as always, in recreating the sights and sounds of a period piece. Top talents such as production designer Bernard Robinson and (supervising) editor James Needs are at the top of their game. Don Banks composed the very unsubtle, thunderous music score, which does come in handy when Rasputin is required to make an entrance.

The excellent cast includes beautiful Barbara Shelley and Suzan Farmer, Francis Matthews, Dinsdale Landen, Renee Asherson, Derek Francis, and Joss Ackland; other than Lee, the performer that really stands out is Richard Pasco as Dr. Bruno Zargo, an alcoholic who becomes putty in the hands of the mad Rasputin. Lee himself is a delight, his rich voice booming with authority. He simply commands the screen, and keeps the right insane, evil glint in his eyes at all times.

The most entertaining of all the scenes is one in which a furious Landen unthinkingly rushes into a confrontation with Lee only to find himself outmatched. The final battle is an exciting one, with Rasputin proving to be exceedingly difficult to finish off.

Overall, this isn't top drawer Hammer, but it's still quite enjoyable, and worth a viewing for fans of the studio and star.

Seven out of 10.