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The Vineyard

  • 1989
  • R
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
4.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
The Vineyard (1989)
World famous winemaker, Elson Po, invites several actors to his estate to audition for a movie he's financing. Little do they know, there is no movie, and Po hides a deadly secret.
Play trailer3:48
1 Video
36 Photos
Horror

World famous winemaker, Elson Po, invites several actors to his estate to audition for a movie he's financing. Little do they know, there is no movie, and Po hides a deadly secret.World famous winemaker, Elson Po, invites several actors to his estate to audition for a movie he's financing. Little do they know, there is no movie, and Po hides a deadly secret.World famous winemaker, Elson Po, invites several actors to his estate to audition for a movie he's financing. Little do they know, there is no movie, and Po hides a deadly secret.

  • Directors
    • James Hong
    • William Rice
  • Writers
    • Harry Mok
    • James Hong
    • Douglas Kondo
  • Stars
    • James Hong
    • Karen Lorre
    • Michael Wong
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.7/10
    1.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • James Hong
      • William Rice
    • Writers
      • Harry Mok
      • James Hong
      • Douglas Kondo
    • Stars
      • James Hong
      • Karen Lorre
      • Michael Wong
    • 26User reviews
    • 22Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 3:48
    Trailer

    Photos36

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    Top cast56

    Edit
    James Hong
    James Hong
    • Dr. Elson Po
    Karen Lorre
    Karen Lorre
    • Jezebel Fairchild
    • (as Karen Witter)
    Michael Wong
    Michael Wong
    • Jeremy Young
    Lissa Zappardino
    • Tina
    Cheryl Madsen
    • Nancy Stone
    Cheryl Lawson
    • Claudia Lee
    Rue Douglas
    • Brad Fuller
    Sean P. Donahue
    • Brian Whitman
    Sherri Ball
    • Celeste Jones
    Karl-Heinz Teuber
    • Paul
    • (as Karl Heinz-Teuber)
    Ruth Lin
    • Lois
    Harry Mok
    • Warrior
    • (as Michael Quion)
    Lars Wanberg
    • Lucas
    • (as Lars Wangberg)
    Mark De Alessandro
    Mark De Alessandro
    • Mark…
    Vivian Lee
    • Dr. Elson's mother
    Robert Ito
    Robert Ito
    • Auctioneer
    James Russo
    James Russo
    • Teddy
    Thomas M. Bryan
    • Ivan
    • Directors
      • James Hong
      • William Rice
    • Writers
      • Harry Mok
      • James Hong
      • Douglas Kondo
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews26

    4.71.1K
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    Featured reviews

    4paul_haakonsen

    What happens at the vineyard, stays at the vineyard...

    This horror movie from 1989 really embodies the entire spirit and feel of the 1980 horror movies. It is hard to put a concrete example on what it is to it that makes it so, but it just is.

    "The Vineyard" is fairly straight forward. A reclusive wine grower, famous for his unique wines, have invited a group of young aspiring actors to his estate for what they believe in to be a party and an audition for a movie. However, the wine maker has something else in store for the young people, as he needs them to brew his special wine; a wine that has kept him young and alive for centuries.

    The effects in the movie were very 1980s. Just watch the movie, and you will know immediately what I am talking about here. The zombies weren't particularly detailed, but I assume for a movie from back then they were quite good.

    The storyline is generic and stereotypical for late 1980s horror movies, being predictable to the core. But still, the movie is fun to watch because it is campy and cheesy. And it was fun to watch James Hong in this particular role. Being a fan of Hong Kong cinema, it was also fun to watch Michael Wong in this movie.

    If you enjoy horror movies from the 1980s, then "The Vineyard" is definitely one to watch. And the ending is guaranteed to have you laughing...
    6Movie-Misfit

    80's Hong Kong/US Indie Horror Fun!

    The Vineyard sees fan favourite James Hong return as one of his most loved characters Lo Pan (Big Trouble In Little China) of sorts, in his self directed horror comedy which has a number of Hong Kong stars on board as a vehicle to help kick start their career (which seems to have worked).

    Reminding me of the classics like Mr. Vampire, Haunted Cop Shop, and We're Going To Eat You; this great wee flick oozes that same appeal as those horror comedy HK classics of the 80's which also features an early role from Michael Wong (Beast Cops, First Option, Royal Warriors) which is comical in itself!

    Massive Hong Kong producer and director Gordon Chan (2000 AD, The Four Trilogy, Painted Skin) co-produces the feature for Hong, as he creeps out the visitors of his vineyard island, posing as a film producer with a great location.

    The plot is crazy, yet that's what gives it the same charm of the 80's HK films I love. Zombies, gore, comedy, crazy SFX all come together in this unseen, underrated little gem that entertains without you having to think too hard!
    5gavin6942

    A Decent Horror Film, But Nothing Special

    Dr. Elson Po (James Hong) is one of the world's most famous wine growers. He has a magic potion which has kept him handsome and alive during the centuries. However, lately the magic which rejuvenates him seem to be less and less effective.

    This film was written by, directed by and starring James Hong. So if you are a Hong fan, this is the picture for you -- he brings an angle to horror that I certainly have not seen elsewhere. I am not sure if you can call him Chinese-American, since he was born in the United States, but he has made an American film with Chinese roots -- possibly a unique feat in American horror.

    Some of this was pure 1980s. Hong's dance in the mask at his 1980s party was pretty weird, and the music certainly amplified the weirdness. The special effects range from good to bad. I liked the masks and makeup, but some of the "electricity" just looked terrible.
    5lost-in-limbo

    "Thank-you for long jeopardy."

    Watch as actor James Hong (who also co-wrote and co-direct) puts on a show! He steals every frame he's in, but this is because the competition is few and far between. When he isn't obsessively going off his rocker and having his face morph about, you're probably transfixed by the presence (not the acting) of playmate bunny Karen Witter. Hong's depraved character definitely is, but the scenes they mostly share are less than interesting other than the daft climatic showdown. Outside of Hong and Karl Heinz-Tuber, the majority of the performances are one-note and vacant.

    Dr. Elson Po is a world renowned wine grower, but he also has a dark secret with an obsession for the forbidden secrets of immortality. To stop the rapid aging process, Po feeds on the life-force of the young aspiring actresses he invites to his island.

    "The Vinyard" is low-rent and quite sloppy, despite the amusing unhinged mad doctor / black magic hokum. It has its moments with some ghoulish jolts, sleazy encounters and nasty monster make-up FX (zombies join the party), but it can be patchy and lackadaisical in scenes. Moments can be quite talky (numerous boring exchanges) with the silly script throwing about strange ideas, spiritual themes and linking it with Chinese mythology. At times it can be atmospheric, but its villa and vineyard setting on a secluded island is never taken full advantage of. Even throw in a dungeon with chains.

    "You're in a lot of danger here."
    4bigboybhatia

    Okay

    The movie wasn't great, but it had it's moments. I think James Hong did a good job and found his character quite creepy. Some of the scenes including the spider scene were pretty scary! The fight scenes were quite good, especially when the preppy guy and his girlfriend were working together to defeat Po's big, burly bodyguards.

    Most of the cast are one hit wonders (if you consider this movie to be a "hit"). They made sure to hire a young, good-looking cast including the gorgeous Karen Witter who played Jezebel. Dr. Po may have been 1000 years old, but his choice of a spouse was right on the money!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This is Michael Wong's Hollywood/American film debut, the same actor who was involved in numerous Hong Kong movies such as "Legacy of Rage" (1986) and "In the Line of Duty 4" (1989).
    • Quotes

      Dr. Elson Po: Where's my amulet?

    • Crazy credits
      During the closing credits, when they come to the Thanks section, it reads "Dr. Po wishes to thank..."
    • Connections
      Featured in Sacred Earth and Restless Souls with John Dirlam (2019)
    • Soundtracks
      PO'S BOOGIE
      Written & Performed by Eddy Goldfarb and Bruce Tambling

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    FAQ15

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 21, 1989 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Canada
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Bağ
    • Filming locations
      • Fortino Winery - 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Trans Atlantic Entertainment
      • Vineyard Partners
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 35 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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