DanTheMan 2
On paper, the sheer idea of The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires alone is enough to sell me on the movie, a Hammer / Shaw Brothers co-production combining the best of both studios, but in execution, it commits the cardinal sin of martial arts movies... being incredibly dull. So much of the movie can't decide what it wants to do and I feel that partly lies with Director Roy Ward Baker who has no idea how to handle this mad mix of martial arts and horror, even the fight scenes directed by veteran Shaw contributor Chang Cheh don't deliver, almost as if he was playing it safe, which is the biggest disappointment. Even the usual charmingly low-brow vfx of vampire disintegration from the Shaw Brothers doesn't excite or stimulate anything, the film reeks of being rushed and honestly, it shows in Houghton's writing. However, Cushing remains as distinguished and commanding as ever, more than carrying the film while his other Western companions sit around and contribute nothing to the film's plot until the last possible moment. But the other saving grace of this movie is most certainly David Chiang, whom Cushing took under his wing teaching him all the tricks of the trade that Chiang still uses to this day. As it stands, The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires is a lacklustre and largely pathetic finale for Hammer's Dracula series, it is a pity that this blend of two popular genres could not have been more carefully thought out, but it's certainly a fascinating failure to behold.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
10/23/23
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Jamie W
Hammer collab with Shaw brothers. A match made in heaven, creepy kung-fu fun. The vampires and the undead army are actually quite scary looking. Don't know why they felt the need to include so many books, the movie didn't need it. Great kung-fu.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/23/23
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Brad P
Wild, exciting, and loose in a way only ‘70s films can be, The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires is a mash-up movie that doesn't seem to get enough praise. It may not be the best either studio has to offer but the sheer novelty of seeing these two iconic studios work together on a horror/kung-fu hybrid makes this one worth a watch for sure.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/06/23
Full Review
emile h
It's not the best installment from either Hammer Films or the Shaw Brothers Studio, especially since the Count Dracula in this movie is not Christopher Lee. However, its campy moments and decent action scenes will keep you in your seat for the long run. Besides, it's not everyday you get to see a vampire kung-fu hybrid of a movie that is willing to run with its bloody premise of Chinese vampires.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This one is zany enough that it almost works. Martial arts meets Hammer Horror. The fight sequences are alright, but nothing special. While Cushing doesn't have a lot to do, he still does very professional, grounded work here. The worst part is having a Hammer Dracula that isn't Christopher Lee. Still, it's better than the low point of Satanic Rites of Dracula.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This is the balls. You get two for the price of one. A hammer horror and some Shaw Brothers kung-fu. Peter Cushing plays Van Helsing for the final time and lots of weird shit goes down.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/20/23
Full Review
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