Vampire Buster

Original title: Jaau gwai daai shi

1989
1h 33m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

In ancient China, a demon was defeated in a fierce battle with a priest, who sealed it's evil spirit in a vase. Centuries later, during the cultural revolution, rebels attempted to gain poss... Read allIn ancient China, a demon was defeated in a fierce battle with a priest, who sealed it's evil spirit in a vase. Centuries later, during the cultural revolution, rebels attempted to gain possession of the vessel from the priest's descendant; however, he threw it into the ocean to ... Read allIn ancient China, a demon was defeated in a fierce battle with a priest, who sealed it's evil spirit in a vase. Centuries later, during the cultural revolution, rebels attempted to gain possession of the vessel from the priest's descendant; however, he threw it into the ocean to keep it from being tampered. The vase was recovered years later in Hong Kong and was aucti... Read all

Directors
- Norman Law Man
- Stanley Wing Siu
Writers
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

107

YOUR RATING

Directors
- Norman Law Man
- Stanley Wing Siu
Writers
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

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Review

Featured review

10/10

An exciting Hong Kong horror-comedy!

The Chinese title for this film literally translates to "Ghostbusting Master," and the English title is "Vampire Buster." The Chinese title is more logical as their are none of the classic hopping and/or Dracula-type vampires in this movie. Here, we have a story about a Hong Kong Councilman (Shui-Fan Fung) who buys an ancient vase from an auction, which actually contains a demon (Fat Chung) that was defeated and sealed in the urn by a Taoist Priest hundreds of years ago. His descendant Master Cheung 11 (Kent Cheng) wants to retrieve the vase before the evil spirit is released, but it does later on and possesses the body of the Councilman, threatening to wreck havoc in Hong Kong.

There is a nice balance of horror and comedy in this film, with no over-the-top and slapstick nonsense. The demon is actually quite creepy-looking; scenes of him attacking those unfortunate enough to cross his path are a little frightening, yet intriguing for a movie. There is even a little gore in the film, but nothing too graphic that will make you cover your eyes. Actor Pak-cheung Chan as Master Lum provided much laughs with his witty remarks and quick reaction, but again, no childish or overboard slapstick comedy.

The fast-paced plot is compelling - just the parts where the vase with the encased demon travels from Mainland China all the way to Hong Kong, where it is auctioned off, and where the demon changes the Councilman's legislation votes while possessing his body and his imminent threat to mankind, are captivating. The music score by Anders Nelsson is some of his best work, I think, and its haunting and upbeat music just helps make this movie more exciting.

The actors all did great in their respectable roles, especially Shui-Fan Fung as the serious, no-nonsense possessed Councilman, Pak-cheung Chan as the witty comedic fortune master, Jacky Cheung as the carefree Councilman's son and Elsie Chan as the damsel in distress.

Overall, a very fun film that is one of my favorite ghost-comedies from Hong Kong. I highly recommend it.

Grade A