Zombie 1: A Brief History of the Zombi Film Series
If you are a fan of horror movies, especially those involving the undead, you might have heard of the Zombi film series. This is a collection of Italian zombie films that started in the late 1970s and continued until the late 1980s. The series is known for its graphic violence, gore, and shocking scenes of zombies eating humans. But how much do you know about the origins and evolution of this cult classic? In this article, we will explore the history of the Zombi film series, from its inception to its variants and spin-offs.
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Introduction
What is the Zombi film series?
The Zombi film series is a group of Italian horror films that feature zombies as the main antagonists. The films are not directly connected by a continuous storyline, but they share some common elements, such as the setting, the theme, and the style. The films are usually set in exotic locations, such as tropical islands, jungles, or ancient tombs, where a mysterious virus or curse reanimates the dead. The zombies are typically slow-moving, rotting corpses that crave human flesh and can only be killed by destroying their brains. The films are also known for their low-budget production values, amateur acting, and cheesy dialogue, but also for their creative special effects, atmospheric music, and inventive kills.
Why is it called Zombi or Zombie?
The name of the series is a bit confusing, as it has different spellings and numbers depending on the country and the release. The original title of the first film was Zombi 2, which was chosen to capitalize on the success of George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead (1978), which was released in Italy as Zombi. However, since Zombi 2 was not a sequel to Romero's film, it was renamed Zombie in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The subsequent films followed this pattern, adding numbers or subtitles to differentiate them from each other. For example, Zombi 3 was also known as Zombie Flesh Eaters 2 or Zombie 3: Return of the Living Dead. To avoid further confusion, we will use the original Italian titles for this article.
How did it start and evolve?
The Zombi film series was initiated by Italian director Lucio Fulci, who was already known for his giallo and exploitation films. Fulci was hired by producer Fabrizio De Angelis to make a zombie film that would cash in on the popularity of Romero's Dawn of the Dead. Fulci agreed, but he wanted to make his own version of the zombie genre, inspired by classic horror literature and folklore. He wrote the script with his collaborator Dardano Sacchetti, based on an unpublished story by Elisa Briganti. The result was Zombi 2, which was released in 1979 and became a huge hit in Italy and abroad. Fulci then made two more zombie films, City of the Living Dead (1980) and The The Zombi Films
Zombi 2 (1979)
Plot summary
Zombi 2 follows the story of a group of people who travel to a Caribbean island, where they encounter a horde of zombies. The film begins with a boat drifting into New York Harbor, where the police find a zombie on board. They also find a note that leads them to the island of Matul, where the boat came from. Meanwhile, a journalist named Peter West and the daughter of the boat's owner, Anne Bowles, decide to investigate the mystery and head to Matul. There, they meet Dr. David Menard and his wife Paola, who are trying to cope with the zombie outbreak. Dr. Menard believes that the zombies are caused by a voodoo curse that reanimates the dead. He also tries to find a cure for the infection, but his efforts are futile. The film culminates in a bloody showdown between the survivors and the zombies, who invade the hospital where Dr. Menard works.
Reception and legacy
Zombi 2 was a commercial success, grossing over $3 million in Italy and over $12 million in the United States. It was also well received by critics and audiences, who praised its atmosphere, suspense, and gore effects. The film is considered one of the best zombie films ever made, and one of Fulci's masterpieces. It is also famous for its iconic scenes, such as the eye-gouging scene, the shark vs. zombie scene, and the final shot of zombies walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Zombi 2 spawned several sequels and imitations, and influenced many other filmmakers in the horror genre.
Zombi 3 (1988)
Plot summary
Zombi 3 is a loose sequel to Zombi 2, set in a different location and with different characters. The film follows the aftermath of a military experiment gone wrong, which unleashes a deadly virus that turns people into zombies. The virus is called Death One, and it was developed by a scientist named Dr. Holder, who works for a secret organization called Hope Center. When Dr. Holder tries to escape with a sample of the virus, he is killed by soldiers who then burn his body. However, the virus is released into the air and infects a nearby bird, which spreads it to other animals and humans. The film focuses on a group of soldiers and civilians who try to survive the zombie apocalypse, while also being hunted by a rogue military unit that wants to cover up the incident.
Reception and legacy
Zombi 3 was a troubled production, as Fulci had to leave the project due to health problems and creative differences with the producer. The film was completed by another director, Bruno Mattei, who added new scenes and changed some aspects of the story. The film was poorly received by critics and fans, who criticized its plot holes, inconsistencies, and low-quality effects. The film was also accused of ripping off other zombie films, such as Romero's Day of the Dead (1985) and Return of the Living Dead (1985). However, some viewers have appreciated the film for its campy humor, cheesy dialogue, and over-the-top action scenes. The film has gained a cult following over the years, and has been released on DVD and Blu-ray by various labels. Zombi 4: After Death (1989)
Plot summary
Zombi 4: After Death is another sequel to Zombi 2, but with no connection to Zombi 3. The film is set on a remote island, where a group of researchers were conducting experiments on the Death One virus. However, their work was interrupted by a voodoo priest, who cursed them and unleashed the zombies. The film then jumps to the present day, where a woman named Jenny and her friends arrive on the island, looking for her father, who was one of the researchers. They soon discover that the island is infested with zombies, who are controlled by the voodoo priest. The film also features a mysterious man named Chuck, who claims to be a soldier and helps Jenny and her friends fight the zombies.
Reception and legacy
Zombi 4: After Death was directed by Claudio Fragasso, who also co-wrote the script with his wife Rossella Drudi. The film was shot in the Philippines, using local actors and locations. The film was poorly received by critics and fans, who found it boring, nonsensical, and poorly made. The film was also criticized for its racism, sexism, and homophobia, as well as its blatant plagiarism of other zombie films, such as Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Fulci's Zombi 2. However, some viewers have enjoyed the film for its unintentional comedy, absurd dialogue, and ridiculous situations. The film has also gained a cult following over the years, and has been released on DVD and Blu-ray by various labels.
Zombi 5: Killing Birds (1987)
Plot summary
Zombi 5: Killing Birds is the last official entry in the Zombi film series, although it has little to do with zombies or birds. The film is set in Louisiana, where a Vietnam veteran named Fred Brown kills his wife and her lover with a shotgun. He then gets attacked by a flock of birds, who peck out his eyes. The film then shifts to the present day, where a group of college students are doing a research project on birds. They are led by Paul, who is Fred's son. They decide to visit Fred's house, where they meet him and his assistant Dr. Liza West. They also find out that Fred has a collection of rare birds, which he claims are his friends. However, they soon realize that Fred is hiding a dark secret, and that his birds are not so friendly after all.
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Reception and legacy
Zombi 5: Killing Birds was directed by Claudio Lattanzi, who was an assistant director for Fulci. The film was co-produced by Joe D'Amato, who was known for his erotic and violent films. The film was poorly received by critics and fans, who found it dull, confusing, and misleading. The film was also criticized for its lack of zombies, as they only appear briefly at the end of the film. The film was also accused of ripping off other horror films, such as Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963) and John Carpenter's The Fog (1980). However, some viewers have appreciated the film for its atmosphere, cinematography, and music. The film has also gained a cult following over the years, and has been released on DVD and Blu-ray by various labels. Other Zombi Films and Variants
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S (2018)
Plot summary
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S is a Disney Channel original movie that is a musical comedy about zombies and humans living together. The film is set in the town of Seabrook, where a zombie apocalypse happened 50 years ago. The zombies were contained in a place called Zombietown, where they wear devices that prevent them from eating brains. The film follows the story of Zed, a zombie who wants to join the football team, and Addison, a human cheerleader who falls in love with him. They face many challenges and prejudices from their families and friends, who are not ready to accept their relationship. The film also features songs and dances that express the characters' feelings and emotions.
Reception and legacy
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S was a commercial success, attracting over 10 million viewers on its premiere night. It was also well received by critics and audiences, who praised its message of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. The film is considered one of the best Disney Channel original movies, and one of the most popular musicals of recent years. The film also spawned a sequel, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2 (2020), which introduced werewolves as another supernatural group. The film also inspired a video game, a novelization, and a soundtrack album.
Zombie 1 (1995)
Plot summary
Zombie 1 is a German zombie film that is a remake of Romero's Night of the Living Dead. The film follows the same plot as the original, with some minor changes and updates. The film begins with a couple, Barbara and Johnny, who visit their mother's grave in a cemetery. There, they are attacked by a zombie, who kills Johnny and chases Barbara. Barbara escapes to a nearby farmhouse, where she meets Ben, a truck driver who also survived the zombie attack. They also find other survivors in the house, such as Harry and Helen Cooper, Tom and Judy, and Karen, the Coopers' daughter who is sick. They try to barricade themselves in the house and wait for help, but they soon realize that the zombies are everywhere and that they have no escape.
Reception and legacy
Zombie 1 was a flop at the box office, grossing only $15,000 in Germany. It was also poorly received by critics and fans, who criticized its lack of originality, creativity, and quality. The film was also accused of being a rip-off of Romero's classic, which was already remade by Tom Savini in 1990. The film was also banned in some countries for its graphic violence and gore. However, some viewers have found the film entertaining for its campy value, cheesy effects, and bad acting. The film has also gained a cult following over the years, and has been released on DVD by various labels.
Variant (2020)
Plot summary
Variant is an American sci-fi horror film that is about zombies and aliens. The film follows the story of John Reed, a journalist who investigates a mysterious phenomenon that causes people to turn into zombies. He discovers that the phenomenon is caused by an alien invasion that uses nanotechnology to infect and control humans. He also meets Anna Hayes, a scientist who works for a secret organization that fights against the aliens. Together, they try to expose the truth and stop the invasion before it's too late.
Reception and legacy
Variant was a low-budget independent film that was released on video on demand platforms. It was moderately received by critics and audiences, who gave it mixed reviews. Some praised its premise, action scenes, and twists, while others criticized its plot holes, clichés, and acting. The film was also compared to other zombie and alien films, such as World War Z (2013) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978). The film has not gained much attention or popularity since its release.
Conclusion
The Zombi film series is one of the most influential and controversial horror franchises in cinema history. It has introduced many fans to the world of zombies, gore, and terror. It has also inspired many other filmmakers to create their own versions of the zombie genre. However, not all Zombi films are created equal. Some are considered classics, while others are considered trash. Some are original, while others are derivative. Some are serious, while others are humorous. Regardless of their quality or style, they all share one thing in common: they are unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zombi and Zombie?
Zombi is the original Italian title of the film series, while Zombie is the Americanized version. Zombi is also the French and Haitian word for zombie, which refers to a corpse reanimated by magic or witchcraft.
Who is Lucio Fulci?
Lucio Fulci was an Italian director, writer, and producer who was known for his horror and exploitation films. He was also called the "Godfather of Gore" for his graphic and violent scenes. He directed the first and most famous film in the Zombi series, Zombi 2.
Are the Zombi films connected by a storyline?
No, the Zombi films are not connected by a continuous storyline. They are more like anthology films that share some common elements, such as the zombies, the setting, and the theme. However, some fans have tried to create fan theories and timelines that link the films together.
What are some of the best scenes in the Zombi films?
Some of the best scenes in the Zombi films are:
The eye-gouging scene in Zombi 2, where a woman gets her eye impaled by a wooden splinter.
The shark vs. zombie scene in Zombi 2, where a zombie fights a real shark underwater.
The helicopter scene in Zombi 3, where a zombie gets decapitated by a helicopter blade.
The bird attack scene in Zombi 5: Killing Birds, where a man gets pecked to death by birds.
Where can I watch the Zombi films?
You can watch the Zombi films on various streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Shudder, and YouTube. You can also buy or rent them on DVD or Blu-ray from various labels, such as Blue Underground, Arrow Video, and Severin Films. 44f88ac181