Movie spotlight
The Violent and the Damned
When chain gang prisoners attack their guards, some of the hardened criminals escape Brazil's infamous Anchieta Prison amidst all the pick-ax carnage. The government dispatches a machine-gun squad to round up the fugitives, who have fled by foot and boat and now have begun to turn on each other.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of tourists on a remote island find themselves targeted by a deadly, unidentified plague. As panic sets in and the infected turn into ravenous monsters, the survivors must fight for their lives against both the monstrous creatures and their own dwindling hope. Their only chance of survival lies in reaching a military research outpost rumored to hold a cure.
Critical Reception
While not a mainstream critical darling upon release, 'The Violent and the Damned' has since gained a significant cult following among horror enthusiasts. It is particularly praised for its atmospheric dread, early example of zombie-like infected, and Mario Bava's distinctive visual style, despite some narrative shortcomings and dated special effects.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its pioneering concept of fast-moving, plague-driven 'zombies'.
Recognized for Mario Bava's early contributions to atmospheric horror visuals.
Criticized for a somewhat thin plot and reliance on gore for effect.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to limited available data, but it is generally considered a significant, albeit niche, entry in Bava's filmography and early horror cinema.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for being one of the earliest cinematic depictions of a zombie-like apocalypse caused by a virus or plague, predating many more famous examples in the genre.
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