Horrific and epic masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (3 April 2014)

First, I have to admit that i haven's read Bram Stoker's novel so i won't be comparing this excellent movie to it. I can't say to such extend it's faithful to it. But from what i've seen in other reviews, there is one basic difference. The love story between the count and Mina/Elizabetha. I think that when you film a book, you have to stay faithful to it as much as possible. But, god, am i glad F. Coppola didn't in this aspect? I think Dracula presented with more human, romantic and vulnerable side along with the face of a dark, cruel, merciless killer is great decision. It makes his character much deeper and i like it that way far better than the one-dimensional blood- thirsty psychopath many of the viewers prefer and weirdly dismiss Coppola's Dracula as "dull".
Winona Ryder was perfect as his lost and then rediscovered true love. She was much more then damsel in distress here as some of you have tried putting it. Mina is a great character and very well developed in my opinion. And the scenes between her and Dracula (fantastic performance of Gary Oldman) were so passionate, so raw and heartbreaking...Enough said about that. :)
Anthony Hopkins's performance was classy and brilliant as always and no matter how much i loved Gary and Winona's characters, the movie wouldn't be the same if the role of the infamous vampire hunter had been given to somebody else.
So my final conclusion is: intricate,dark,eccentric, sensual, epic, romantic. A great horror movie and a great love story. A film you should not miss. 10/10.