A touching movie that is not to be missed

Rating: 9/10 (15 May 2011)

Fans of the book be warned, you may find something much different than you found in the book. In the movie adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula - we are shown the story of a man who - in the 15th century - lost everything he held dear and so turned his back on God who in turn, punished him with being undead and forced to walk the shadows of the earth for all eternity.
In the book, Dracula enters England only to feast and to create more Nosferatu. In the movie version, Dracula moves to London to gain the love of her long since deceased wife's reincarnation (Jonathan Harker's bride-to-be, (Wilhel)Mina).
I found the movie version much better than the book and nearing the end found myself wishing that Mina and Dracula would have each other - even at the expense of future human lives. I don't know what that says about me as a person, or about the movie but damn.
The music, the cinematography and the acting is all superb, with the not so minor exception of Keanu Reeves who is doing his best cardboard cutout impression during what little screen time he is offered as Jonathan Harker.
Anthony Hopkins absolutely shines as Dr. Van Helsing, a most likely insane or at the very least quirky Dutch doctor and scientist. He is an absolute joy to watch in this movie, even though his accent and repeated use of the word 'Ja' can get a bit jarring.
Never the less, it is Gary Oldman as Vlad Tepes, Vlad The Impaler, Count Dracula, Nosferatu - that steals the spotlight. His take on Dracula is touching, as a man who lost his love centuries ago and is willing to even renounce God to gain the power to have her back.
You must see this movie, do NOT miss it.