The Bloodstained Shadow 2002 Horror Movie Review

The Bloodstained shadow is a pretty decent giallo.  As is usual for this genre a series of murders occurs and the race is on to find the killer from among a wide cast of candidates - many of whom go on to become victims.  To this end, a strangulation that is not well carried out is soon followed by some more spectacular murders.  These take place with a medieval weapon and a powerboat among other things, but the biggest shocker is the old woman who gets pushed head-first into the fireplace and goes up like a roman candle (I know I shouldn’t laugh).  On the trail of the killer is actor Lino Capolicchio playing a Professor returning home for a break and his brother the local priest who’s character is played spiritedly by Craig Hill.  The action takes place primarily on an Island near Venice and this creates a very nice backdrop for the movie.  The tempo is a touch uneven and one very well set up stalking sequence turns out to be a false alarm (this will disappoint most giallo fans).  Less disappointing is the casual love scene with Stefania Casini doing her bit alongside Lino Capolicchio to put a tick in the nudity box and ensure the movie genuine giallo status.  The soundtrack was arranged by the members of Goblin and sounds great as you would expect.  Overall, there is plenty to like about this film.  It doesn’t have the artistic qualities of some other giallo movies, but it still manages to entertain.  If you like giallo films this is worth getting hold of and I’d recommend buying it as part of the four movie boxed set put out by Anchor Bay.