Vampire Cleanup Department

Vampire Cleanup Department is a 2017 Hong Kong-Chinese horror-comedy film that combines old-school supernatural traditions with modern cinematic charm. The film stars Babyjohn Choi, Min Chen Lin, and Siu-Ho Chin and is directed by Chiu Sin-hang and Yan Pak-wing. The story revolves around a secret government department responsible for keeping the public safe from the scourge of vampires - a role many don't even know exists.

At the centre of the story, we have the young and unsuspecting protagonist, Tim Cheung (Babyjohn Choi). Tim leads an ordinary life until a chance encounter with a vampire changes his existence dramatically. He wakes up in an eerie-looking centre run by the legendary Vampire Cleanup Department (VCD). The VCD is a covert government unit tasked with keeping the metropolis clear of undead infiltrations.

At the VCD, the veteran vampire hunter Master Gau (Richard Ng) mentors Tim, honing his skills while educating him about the world of the supernatural. One of the major lessons is about hopping vampires, examples of the Jiangshi—a type of reanimated corpse. These nocturnal creatures are adept at hopping around, and it is the mission of the VCD to capture and dispose of them before they pose a danger to the public.

Whilst on an assignment, Tim's life takes a fascinating turn when he crosses paths with a beautiful female vampire named Summer, played by Min Chen Lin. Instead of reducing her to ashes, Tim finds himself strangely captivated by her. This creates a compelling narrative thread, which is sustained throughout the film. Tim's unusual connection with Summer underscores his narrative from then on, juggling his obligations and the difficult choices he must make concerning love and duty.

The movie is riddled with humor and nostalgia. Humor becomes an integral element that departs from traditional horror schemes, making Vampire Cleanup Department slightly comedic. There are numerous instances of witty punchlines and comic sequences, particularly in the character interactions, which land very deftly due to good comedic chemistry between the cast members. The nostalgia comes into play when our tenacious team uses antiquated techniques to deal with their hopping menaces, such as spell-written talisman and rice.

Laced with plenty of action sequences, the movie also offers some impressive fight scenes that are skilfully choreographed. With martial arts mixed with horror, fans of these genres should be significantly entertained by the film's depiction of combating supernatural beings. Siu-Ho Chin, a kung fu veteran, brings his vast experience and martial arts skills to the large screen, significantly contributing to the combat-filled scenes.

One of the other classic features of Vampire Cleanup Department is the romantic subplot. Tim's infatuation with the attractive vampire Summer introduces this unique romance angle. This unexpected but beautifully depicted love story gives the audience brief respites from the fast-paced action, resulting in a strong mix of various genre elements.

Overall, the potent mix of comedy, action, horror, and romance in Vampire Cleanup Department creates a unique cinematic experience. The exciting plot combined with compelling performances from the cast and the abundant supernatural elements create an intriguing and captivating film. The film pays tribute to Hong Kong's classic vampire genre films while infusing modern humor and charm, making it truly distinct from various other films of the genre.

In conclusion, Vampire Cleanup Department brings together a host of emotions - fear, laughter, love, and suspense taking the viewers on an entertaining ride. The compelling fusion of traditional vampire lore and contemporary rom-com elements make this horror-comedy a must-watch for genre enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of supernatural thrillers or a lover of romance-infused comedies, Vampire Cleanup Department is sure to provide an entertaining viewing experience. Its unique blend of genres and mesmerizing performances create an unforgettable cinematic spectacle that is truly one of a kind.