Viy (1967)
The Soviet Union's landmark first horror film, adapted from Nikolai Gogol's chilling tale of folklore, witchcraft, and supernatural dread.
Viy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Вий
- Release Year: 1967
- Directed by: Georgi Kropachyov, Konstantin Ershov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
- Runtime: 1h 16m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 27, 1967 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: Le Diable (FR), Vij eller Prästseminariets likvaka (SE), Velho (FI), Viy or Spirit of Evil (US), Wij (PL), Viy, King of the Ghosts (UK), Simadiako oneiro (GR), Вий (RU)
- Production Companies: Luch, Mosfilm
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Viy - Plot
A seminary student on monastery holiday kills an old witch in a remote village. The hag then transforms into a beautiful young woman whose dying wish is for him to watch over her wake for three nights. With terrors occurring and his faith waning, he reads prayers on the overnight watch and tries to survive the supernatural encounters.
Viy - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the eerie atmosphere of this Soviet horror classic.
The Soviet Union's first horror film!
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Viy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Georgi Kropachyov
- Konstantin Ershov
Main Cast
- Leonid Kuravlyov
- Natalya Varley
- Aleksey Glazyrin
- Nikolay Kutuzov
- Vadim Zakharchenko
- Petro Vesklyarov
- Vladimir Salnikov
- Dmytro Karpa
- Stepan Shkurat
- Georgiy Sochevko
Writers
- Georgi Kropachyov
- Aleksandr Ptushko
- Konstantin Ershov
Viy - FAQs
Is Viy based on a true story or book?
Viy is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 1835 supernatural novella of the same name by Ukrainian-Russian author Nikolai Gogol. Gogol claimed the tale was rooted in Ukrainian folklore, though scholars regard it largely as his own literary invention drawing on folk mythology.
Where can you stream Viy (1967)?
Viy (1967) is available on several platforms in the US. Free ad-supported options include Tubi TV, Xumo Play, Cineverse, and Fawesome. It can also be streamed via Screambox, Klassiki, Eternal Family, and Troma NOW, or rented and purchased on Google Play Movies and YouTube.
What happens at the end of Viy?
On the third and final night, the witch summons the demon Viy, whose iron eyelids are lifted to reveal eyes that can locate Khoma. Despite being warned never to look at Viy, Khoma glances at him and is struck dead with terror. The demons are then frozen in place by the crowing of a rooster at dawn.
Who are the main actors in Viy?
The film stars Leonid Kuravlyov as the seminary student Khoma Brut and Natalya Varley in the dual role of the witch and the Centurion's daughter Pannochka. Supporting cast includes Aleksey Glazyrin, Nikolay Kutuzov, Vadim Zakharchenko, Petro Vesklyarov, and Vladimir Salnikov.
Why is Viy historically significant in cinema?
Viy holds the distinction of being the Soviet Union's first official horror film. Produced by Mosfilm in 1967, it broke new ground in Soviet cinema by embracing supernatural terror, elaborate practical creature effects, and gothic folk imagery at a time when the genre was largely absent from Soviet screens.
Who directed Viy (1967)?
Viy was co-directed by Georgi Kropachyov and Konstantin Ershov. The screenplay was written by Kropachyov and Ershov alongside veteran Soviet filmmaker Aleksandr Ptushko, who was renowned for his fantasy and fairy-tale productions and brought significant experience in visual effects to the project.
How long is Viy and what genre is it?
Viy has a runtime of 76 minutes, making it a compact and tightly paced feature. It belongs to the Drama, Fantasy, and Horror genres, blending Ukrainian folk mythology with gothic supernatural horror. The film is often categorized as a landmark example of folk horror in world cinema.
What language is Viy (1967) in?
Viy was produced in Russian and is entirely in the Russian language. It was a Soviet production made at the Mosfilm studio in Moscow. International releases have been distributed with subtitles or dubbing, and the film is widely available with English subtitles on modern streaming platforms.
More About Viy
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