Day 30: Juan of The Dead (2011)

A Month of Horror

I have always wanted to do a marathon of "HORROR" throughout the month of October, one where I would revisit a new horror movie every day from the first to the thirty-first.  I will revisit the classics as well as new entries into the canon.  There are many movies that define this time of year, and I hope to showcase 31 of them this month...

October 30: Juan Of The Dead (2011)

Did you know that Cuba recently produced its first independent horror movie?  Did you know that said movie is full of violence, swearing, nudity and depravity of the grade you would expect form most non-communist productions?

"Juan Of The Dead" is far from a perfect movie, but it is extremely commendable for it achieves: a funny and gory take on what would happen if a zombie outbreak occurred in a communist country such as Cuba.  While not an entirely accurate portrait of Cuba or its people, it is the subversive sense of humour, and audacity of writer/director Alejandro Brugues that keeps the movie flowing.

There are moments in "Juan of the Dead" that had me laughing out loud (watch for the tango of the dead), and others that had me gasping in surprise.  There are also clever homages throughout, including an underwater moment with a shark and a fellow who ' Kicks ass for the Lord', but it is the cultural and socio-political commentary peppered throughout that really makes this a unique viewing experience.

Perhaps one of the biggest charms of this movie is the fact that it is thoroughly Cuban, but there is also a surprising undercurrent of dissidence throughout the film.  Of course it does share many of the traits of its inspirations (namely Shaun and Dawn), but that doesn't mean it is any less fresh of an approach.

If you aren't looking for socio-political commentary, there is definitely a fun zombie movie to be had here, one that constantly surprises with its twists and turns.  If you can stomach delicious titles, and even more delicious brains, this is a movie more than worth its running time.

Tomorrow brings us to day 31, Halloween.  I think its about time for a little trick r treating...