Watch Leptirica

Leptirica is a Serbian horror film from 1973 that revolves around the legend of an old Serbian vampire named Sava Savanovic. The movie was directed by Djordje Kadijevic and was based on a 19th-century Serbian folktale. The story begins in a small Serbian village where young men disappear every night from a local mill. A young man named Strahinja (played by Petar Bozovic) falls in love with a beautiful local girl named Radojka (played by Mirjana Nikolic). Strahinja soon discovers that Radojka is the daughter of the mill owner and soon comes across the legend of Sava Savanovic, an old vampire who is said to live in the mill and prey on sacrificial victims.

As the townspeople begin to unravel the mystery of the mill, Strahinja becomes more and more obsessed with Radojka, despite warnings from his friends and family that she may be part of the vampire's scheme. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Strahinja must face his fears and try to put an end to the curse that has plagued his village for centuries.

The film is notable for its exploration of Serbian mythology and folktales, as well as its use of classic horror film tropes like the vampire, the haunted mill, and the forbidden love story. The film is also credited with being the first horror movie made in Yugoslavia, paving the way for future filmmakers like Emir Kusturica.

In terms of performances, the actors in Leptirica do an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Mirjana Nikolic is particularly memorable as Radojka, playing the character with a mix of vulnerability and quiet strength. Petar Bozovic also shines, giving a layered performance as Strahinja, a man torn between his love for Radojka and his fear of the vampire lurking in the shadows.

One of the most striking aspects of Leptirica is its cinematography, which is both beautiful and eerie. The film was shot in a lush, verdant landscape that serves as an ominous backdrop to the vampire's curse. The directors use of close-ups and long, sweeping shots are particularly effective in building tension and creating a sense of creeping dread.

Overall, Leptirica is a classic horror movie that is not only frightening but also culturally significant. The film's exploration of Serbian folklore and mythology adds a unique flavor to the horror genre, making it a must-see for fans of international cinema. While not as well-known as other horror classics like Halloween or The Exorcist, Leptirica deserves a place in the pantheon of great horror movies.

Leptirica is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.