Watch Vlad The Impaler - The True Story of Dracula

Vlad The Impaler - The True Story of Dracula is a gripping historical drama film from 2000 that follows the life of Vlad Tepes, the ruthless ruler of Wallachia who inspired the legend of Dracula. The movie stars Rudolf Martin as Vlad Tepes, Jane March as his faithful wife, and Christopher Brand as the ambitious Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus.

The story begins with the young Vlad and his brother Radu being taken hostage by the Ottoman Turks in order to ensure their father's loyalty. The two brothers are raised under harsh conditions, but Vlad becomes a fierce warrior and a master of guerilla warfare. After being released, he returns to Wallachia to claim his birthright as prince, but soon discovers that his enemies are numerous and powerful.

Ambitious Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus senses an opportunity to expand his empire, and offers Vlad his support in exchange for marrying his sister. But Vlad refuses the offer, and decides to fight his enemies on his own terms. He employs brutal tactics such as impaling his enemies as a warning to others, earning him the nickname "Vlad The Impaler". Though he is initially successful in defending Wallachia, the situation soon spirals out of control and Vlad finds himself at odds with not only the Turks and the Hungarians, but also his own people.

The movie is a fascinating exploration of the historical figure who inspired the legend of Dracula, and is a far cry from the horror movies that usually come to mind when one thinks of this famous vampire. Rudolf Martin's performance as Vlad Tepes is nuanced and captivating, portraying the prince as a complex and conflicted figure who is both ruthless and honorable. He captures the character's ferocity and determination, but also his tragic fate as a man who ultimately failed to save his people from the horrors of war.

Jane March is also excellent as Vlad's wife, a woman who is as brave and resilient as her husband. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most touching in the movie. Christopher Brand brings depth to the character of Matthias Corvinus, portraying him not as a caricature villain but as a man with his own ambitions and fears.

The movie is well-directed by Doru Nastase, who manages to convey the complex political and social landscape of medieval Eastern Europe without sacrificing the emotional core of the story. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with stunning shots of the rugged landscape and the brutal battles.

Overall, Vlad The Impaler - The True Story of Dracula is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or the legend of Dracula. It offers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of a fascinating historical figure, and serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the price of power. The movie is a masterclass in historical drama, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

Vlad The Impaler - The True Story of Dracula is a 1970 tv movie with a runtime of 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.