Viy3D (2014)

       

     Viy is a 2014 dark fantasy adventure film produced by Russian Film Group in collaboration with Marins Group Entertainment which is loosely based on a story by Nikolai Gogol. This film was released in movie theaters in Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan on January 30th, 2014. Set in the 18th century, English cartographer Jonathan Green (Jason Flemyng) out to make a name for himself as a scientist sets on a quest to map out the untraveled paths of western europe. It is during his travels that he stumbles across a small village deep in the impassable woods of the ukraine. The villagers live in seclusion believing that if they shield themselves from the rest of the world evil will not set foot into their settlement. They shall soon learn that evil is set deep within their own minds waiting to manifest itself.
     It consists of a largely russian cast with some notable exceptions being Jason Fleming who plays Jonathan and Charles Dance who makes an appearance as Lord Dudly, although the movie could do without him since it is not overly relevant to the rest of the film. Jonathan Green serves as our entry point into a much more broader tale of death mystery and witchcraft. For a non hollywood film, the special effects used in the film are of high quality utilizing a combination of make-up, animatronics and cgi and these effects really stand out 2/3 into the film where some interesting events manifest themselves. The sets themselves are top notch with lots of attention to detail prevailant such as in the clothing and the props used by the actors. The editing could have been done better to help weave a more coherent story. There are moments when it jumps from the actual tale to jonathan's back story so that we may understand his quest but it could easily be put somewhere in the beginning of the film instead of mixed in with the rest. It is worth noting that the version seen was a dubbed english version and not the one spoken in russian which could mean that some things might have been lost in translation hence the odd moments in the film.
    Viy is a foreign, incoherent tale with some unusual storytelling which is unclear what type of audience it was made for. The majority of the audience will not find it suitable to their tastes who are used to big budget Hollywood extravaganzas but will easily peak the curiosity of film lovers that like strange and curious tales of stories from other parts of the world. It could in some way be compared to the likes of Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow but more in concept that premise. If your able to find the movie and are into odd and strange tales from other continents then this should be right up your alley. Below is the international trailer, click on it and judge for yourself and see if it peaks your curiosity.