Rojo sangre (2004) User Reviews (18)

Weird and compelling - an excellent swan song for Naschy's career!

[The_Void · 7/10 · 22 June 2008]

Paul Naschy is certainly a big contender for Spain's biggest ever horror star; with a great deal of cult films under his belt, most notably his "Homo Lobo" series. However, since the seventies his fame has dwindled somewhat; but on the evidence of this film, his acting and writing talent certainly hasn't! Rojo Sangre is a strange and wayward film that won't appeal to all tastes; but it's certainly an interesting cult film and the fact that it's a semi-autobiographical film for Paul Naschy makes it all the more interesting. The plot focuses on Pablo Thevenet; a down and out actor with nothing but bad luck. His daughter was murdered and his wife left him, and despite once being a big star; he now can't find any sort of acting work. He gets something of a break when he's offered a job as a 'living statue' at a Stag club, and although he finds the role demeaning; he takes it because the money is good and no other offers are coming his way. His hatred for the modern movie business is overwhelming, however, and it's not long before he begins a murderous tirade against all those that have stopped him from getting work.

The thing I liked most about this film is the way that the plot moves. It's never obvious where the film is going and Naschy's script always allows some surprises. The direction is taken up by Christian Molina, and I'm sure the last name will be familiar to Naschy fans as it's his son! Molina's direction is always assured and he manages several stylish moments. The film is perhaps a little too flashy, but everything in the direction bodes well with the way that the story is presented. The film is bolstered courtesy of an excellent performance by Paul Naschy; perhaps even the best of his career. The fact that the role reflects upon his own career aside, you can't fail but be impressed with Naschy here; he absolutely becomes the central character and you can never doubt him for a second. One of the many subplots of the film features the central character slashing up various people while dressed as historical characters and this provides the film with some of its best moments. The gore is actually quite restrained but it's still nice to see. There's not really a defining point to the film and the ending contains more questions than answers but it does at least bring some closure to the plot. Overall, Rojo Sangre is an excellent swan song for Naschy's career and I'm sure that fans of the great Spanish actor's career will appreciate it.

BLOOD RED (Christian Molina, 2004) **1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 6/10 · 23 January 2010]

This is the only recent Paul Naschy film I have viewed (the credit sequence resolves itself in a succession of snapshots showing him made-up for his earlier pictures); to a large extent, it seems to have been enthusiastically received by fans and I liked it quite a bit myself (albeit with some reservations I will get to later). We have here an intriguing premise with the star (as always penning the script himself) ideally cast as a has-been thespian in search of work but clearly out-of-touch with the times; in fact, he is reduced to accepting "humiliating" odd-jobs such as doorman (under the guise of many a notorious historical figure) to a stag club owned by one Reficul (try reading that backwards) or directing snuff movies and, in the very opening scene, hilariously claims to get his sexual kicks nowadays by stuffing a rat enclosed in a condom through his rectum! Eventually, Naschy snaps and goes on a killing spree, targeting people from the industry who had either snubbed him or whom he believes forsake art for commerce; in this respect, Reficul's gift of a cane concealing a Japanese rapier inside comes in mighty handy! Unfortunately, the plot during the latter stages becomes increasingly muddled: Naschy finds out about his boss' identity (his transsexual assistant, then, is really Beelzebub!), with the latter explaining to him that with the signed contract he had given away his soul; cornered by the Police, he is shot and presumably killed; cut to a "Murillo" awards ceremony with the winner emerging to be a candidate whose seat is presently vacant…but then he turns up, at first with his back to the camera, and ultimately revealed to be an aged Naschy under a different name (apparently, he survived and has had a career renaissance in the interim – his talents vindicated at long last – thanks to the Devil's doing)! Typical of today's horror cinema, we get a flat-ugly look which does the film no favors at all – not to mention flashy technique (believing this is enough to give the whole a semblance of style but actually rendering it somewhat amateurish!) and copious gore (including a particularly repellent dismemberment). A mixed bag, then, but Naschy's weathered features, sensitive performance and knowing critique of the profession – plus a decent score – are enough to redress the balance and make the ride worthwhile for seasoned genre fans.

Promising debut

[jeroentoonen · 7/10 · 10 December 2016]

Rojo Sangre is a Spanish full feature debut by Christian Molina. These kind of debutes are perfect measurements to see if there's any talent hidden inside the director. Writer and leading man Paul Naschy came up with a brilliantly confusing and quite frankly almost fantasy/dream-like story line based around an actor who has nothing going for him.

Veteran actor Pablo Thevenet has no luck: His daughter has been murdered, his wife has left him, he finds no job, his agent wants to leave him and directors will never give him a role. He hates current talent less stars on TV talk shows. Suddenly, he is hooked up for a job as a living sculpture in a whore house working for Mr. Reficul and his transsexual assistant Dora Grizzel. In the end. Pablo becomes an artistic murderer, searching for those he thinks responsible of his current state.

It's a great mish mash of extravagant characters and wildly over the top character development. The film can be very subtle and at the same time it will randomly burst into something rather unsubtle. It's definitely an unpredictable story line and above it all: an unpredictable leading role. There's something about the vibe that will draw your attention from the first to the very last minute. It really is something you can't accurately describe, but you'll find it amusing and disturbing at the same time... once you get into it.

The very first scene definitely sets the tone for what's yet to come. A pretty messed up conversation about shoving toy cars up your rectum isn't quite what I was expecting. It's a clear indication that this film is served with a dark sense of humor. It's one of the many qualities. Christian Molina dares to take risks story wise, as well as visually. He has some cool tricks up his sleeves. His scene transitions are amazingly creative.

Rojo Sangre is not really a slasher, nor is it anything else in particular. It's a surprisingly well made mixture of genres with great performances (Paul Naschy really knows how to put on a show) and the many twists will keep you guessing throughout the entire film. A must see!

Garbage Garbage Garbage

[unlimiteddevotion · 2/10 · 17 July 2005]

I rented the Seven Samurai and Rojo Sangre was in the box. Not wanting to drive all the way back to the video store, I watched it. Rojo Sangre is absolutely terrible. The plot is pulled along on a fishhook, with no reason for one event to follow the next.

Key plot points are introduced with lines like: "here is the address of where to buy the finest cutlery".

Jumping all over the place. Rojo Sangre tries to do too much with too little. What begins as an investigation into one man's rejection and subsequent madness turns into a quasi-spiritual hacker slasher which fails at both. Rojo Sangre draws the worst parts of Devil's Advocate, Eye's Wide Shut, and I Know What You Did Last Summer into a contrived flop.

Rojo Sangre attempts to make up for this failure by including needless cruelty, and an affair that goes nowhere. The opening scene has the main character describing putting a live mouse in his ass. And yet no mention is made later of any sexual issues. The movie is laden with cheap tricks of this sort. And and the photoshop transitions ruin even the thin mood this film was able to muster. Not worth a bother.

basura del nuevo cine espanol!!!

[begoniac-1 · 1/10 · 5 January 2006]

Rojo Sangre is one more of those garbage films that Spain has been pumping out like donuts in the name of the emerging young directors. The birth of a horrible phenomenon that has been a practice in Spain in order to claim a spot in commercial film making.It is all wrong.A film with a huge budget (ab)used to trick the amateur viewer and make him believe the film deserves a chance to be watched. High production values with absolutely no motivation to consolidate them with the story line.Overdone stylistic artifacts.Expensive effects that belong more in a hard rock music video then on the big screen. No character development.Dialogues to make you twist up out of embarrassment. I could go on describing the "horrorific" experience I had watching this pretentious film but I'll leave it to you to take over from here. Please , "young Spanish directors" try to go to film school and above all work before you ask daddy to give you money to make a film.

God, why us!

[zinzalabim · 1/10 · 15 August 2006]

I'm still puzzled as to why in god's name did the Film commission in Barcelona let Christian Molina deliver such a bad piece, when all Catala people brag about is their "compelling visuals and design", well, this is yet again another example of bad choices, bad Cast and bad Directing, Photography never get's up in gear, the Lighting is awful, VFX are so wrongly put together and Prosthetics look like "Hasbro" made them (kid's toy manufacturer).

I didn't get immersed into the story at any point, even when Paul Naschy and Bibi were in it, you would expect the Director to have some sort of responsible act in delivering with such great actors, well, don't wait long, as it is evident from the intro sequence it will all go down quickly.

A bad story with wrong semantics and just plain wrong crew.

Don't waste your hard earn bucks on this one.

It appears Barcelona needs a better film school.

[casalz · 1/10 · 3 June 2006]

Well, apart from the fact that Christian Molina never did any film school whatsoever, and paired to the fact that he has worked most of his life on commercial work (TV commercials), it is no surprise when you walk out of the theater feeling sick of yet another cliché spit from a bad rehash of any of the classic horror films so ingeniously put together.

If spending 12 bucks doesn't hurt your pocket then attend this exemplary work on "What never to do when shooting a horror film" or better put: "Read the manual before operating a cinema camera".

Mr. Molina (Christian), stick to commercials, spare us while we have some faith in Horror movies just yet.

Great, great, GREAT! Hooray for rancid exploitation!

[Coventry · 8/10 · 19 March 2005]

Paul Naschy, star of an innumerable amount of Spanish exploitation classics (including the "Hombre-Lobo" cycle) returns in this wondrously bizarre and imaginative film that premiered at the International Festival of Fantasy Films. I'm pretty convinced that "Rojo Sangre" won't be very successful and that's a damn shame because it finally is a truly odd and eccentric Spanish horror effort again, and the fans have seen far too few of these recently. The premise is a variant on the legendary "Faust" tale but, as much as every other aspect in this film, it's a very VERY demented take on Goethe's classic story. Naschy shines as the veteran actor-in-low-water Pablo Thevenet. He despises the young generation of actors and actresses for being untalented and he's frustrated about the fact that new and arrogant casting directors don't know him. Desperate for work, he accepts a job as a living sculpture in a fancy brothel ran by extravagant people. But something seems to have snapped in Pablo's head and he starts a violent killing spree, focusing on those who were responsible for artistic downfall. The plot really gets complex when Pablo's employers turn out to be unworldly and ultimately messed up. The story doesn't make much sense half of the time (and the other half is downright confusing) but still you love what you see because it's so vivid and nostalgic. You fancy yourself back into the glorious days of euro-exploitation and that's a feeling I personally missed enormously. "Rojo Sangre" features a lot of old-fashioned sleaze, good music and adorably insane characters (a transsexual business lady or a millionaire snuff-fanatic, anyone??). The dialogues are exceptionally well-written and the cinematography is astonishingly beautiful!It actually doesn't look leak a cheap exploitation film at all, as the camera-work is ingenious and the visuals are very creative. The gore and make-up effects aren't as outrageous as I expected (or hoped!) them to be, but there certainly are a couple of marvelous gruesomeness-highlights, including nasty images of a cut up corpse, multiple stabbings and professionally slit throats! Despite the devastating material, the screenplay also makes room for genuine black comedy and a couple of very comical anecdotes. The film opens with one, when Pablo gives a detailed description of his bizarre sexual fetish! That sequence is hilarious and you already consider "Blood Red" a success before it even properly begun! Paul Naschy is brilliant as Pablo Thevenet (it might even be his best performance ever) and maybe that's because he really feels related to his character's situation. No worries Paul, I can assure you that the godly Paul Naschy is still worshiped by a limited group of cult-lovers! Watch "Blood Red" when you've got the chance!

Good Return for Naschy

[Michael_Elliott · 29 February 2008]

Rojo Sangre (2004)

*** (out of 4)

Spanish horror film written and acted by the legendary Paul Naschy. In the film, which is semi-autobiographical, Naschy plays a horror legend who finds himself becoming a has been due to how the business is ran these days. He gets a break working in a club where he's paid to perform as various real-life serial killers but one day he starts to take the job too serious and begins to murder off the "new and cool" people of television. This film started out so well, unlike any other Naschy film but the director really blew things in the second half. The second half of the film is incredibly bad but I still enjoyed this for the terrific start. The opening hour is a brutal attack on current fame and current Hollywood, which rings all too true. Seeing the legend Naschy having to beg for work hits home quite strongly and Naschy's performance has never been better. His screenplay for this opening stuff dealing with a forgotten great is also the best he's ever done. The second half of the film really falls apart due to the director trying to be too stylish and there's an incredibly stupid twist in the story that doesn't work at all.

Disgrace to the New Cinema.

[flixflax · 1/10 · 27 May 2007]

Pretentious. Profoundly ignorant of the Genre. Plain wrong semantics and ghastly performances.

One would think, given the scale of this production (several Million Euros) that the Producers would have certain need to perform, that they would make a movie suitable for their peers: The new emerging Cinema Directors, Sadly it is anything but.

The Photography is nothing but a cheap lookalike to the amalgamate many other directors have accomplished for this Genre, it fails promptly right after the Initial establishing shot and goes under ever since.

The Storytelling is suitable for 1st grade Cinema School students, it never gets off the ground, and you can't but feel sorry for Naschy when you realise the poor Direction this film has.

On the VFX lines...let's just say I have seen better work done in After Effects by a freshman in College, Spanish Cinema is going underwater and without an air tank, as my old pappy used to say, it's now dead, dead, dead.

A fitting vehicle for Naschy

[udar55 · 8/10 · 27 March 2005]

Naschy has stated in interviews that the film is semi-autobiographical and you can't help but feel sorry for the guy (both Thevenet and Naschy). With today's fickle movie audiences and industry, a certain sense of history and respect for the older generation of horror actors seems to be missing. As a young girl bluntly tells Thevenet, "I wasn't even born when you were making films" (to which he replies, "Just remember more silicone helps mask a lack of talent."). It may be a cliché, but Naschy has pretty much done it all when it comes to the horror genre and not a lot of people remember that.

Naschy is awfully angry at that fact and the script (which he penned himself) definitely reflects that. Heck, when Thevenet throws out the titles of some of the films he has made, they are all real Naschy titles! To know that ROJO SANGRE debuted the same year as the miserable Fred Olen Ray/Naschy vehicle TOMB OF THE WEREWOLF is telling. Comparing the two side by side, it appears that Naschy knows all too well the plight of his main character. But it is nice to see this level of bitterness being used as a creative outlet instead of festering in Naschy's mind. If this film had not been made, perhaps Naschy would really have gone on a killing spree.

ROJO SANGRE is a beautifully filmed and stately in terms of scale. Director Christian Molina (no relation to Jacinto "Paul Naschy" Molina) delivers a one of the best horror debuts in recent memory. He has an interesting visual sense that reminds me a lot of a young Russell Mulcahy, Jan Kounen and, to a lesser extent, Dario Argento. Some of his scene transitions are pretty darn clever (unfortunately, some are also a bit distracting) and the editing is first-rate. He is definitely someone whose future projects I look forward to.

One of the great comeback films in horror history

[HEFILM · 9/10 · 15 June 2005]

Paul Naschy for years was among the top John Belushi look alikes in the world. He of course was also a big horror star in Spain and re-edited versions of his best known werewolf films played on chiller theater TV packages as I, and many other horror fans grew up. Most of the stars of 60's horror films are gone sadly and now that horror films are again very popular they aren't around to enjoy a final film. Christopher Lee of course is alive and well, but has so far "only" been in non horror films during this new interest. Vincent Price was in some films for Tim Burton, but these too were small parts in non genre films. And lets not think too hard back a few years to Bela Lugosi going on working for Ed Wood or those last few lousy Boris Karloff Mexican productions.

So congratulations to Paul Naschy for being in what is a very creative horror film and showing that he's a better actor and still a very cutting edge writer all these years later. This is a slick film, gruesome and creative on many levels. It's a good and or better than anything he's ever been in or made. Though he's playing a character somewhat like himself, a former horror icon, there is little trace of self consciousness in his performance.

Naschy had recently been in two American Horror films, but let's admit that they are two lousy films from two lousy filmmakers. He also had a fun small role in a not so bad Spanish film SCHOOL KILLER a few years ago. But for him in his native land to get this film made,let alone for it to be a good film, it's just well almost unheard of triumph.

There is little nostalgia in my thoughts towards this film. It stands on it's own even if you aren't a Naschy fan, or if you think of him as sort of a camp figure from the past. If you haven't heard of him this would be a great introduction.

Most actors could only wish for a comeback film like this in any genre. Let's hope this isn't the final film for Naschy because he shows he's still got it in him to do cutting edge horror.

Paul Naschy "The Legend": still alive and...kicking!

[armando_mariani · 9/10 · 11 February 2005]

When I started to watch "Rojo Sangre", Jacinto Molina's aka Paul Naschy ("The Spanish Horror Legend") last movie, on a beautiful Spanish DVD transfer, I didn't know I was in for a big and pleasant surprise. I just got "burned" by "Tomb of the Werewolf" (2003), which I couldn't bear for more then 10 minutes and ended up straight into the trash-can. I wasn't sure I should give Jacinto a second chance during the same evening... I'm glad I did! If not his best movie, this is certainly one of his most important works and, for sure, his most personal in many ways. He gets involved here as the leading actor, scriptwriter and I suspect, he also exercised some influence on young and talented Director Christian Molina (no relation to Jacinto), at his first and, so far, only directing experience (lets keep an eye on this fellow). The main character: Pablo Thevenet, an aging and struggling actor, who is not getting jobs anymore, has no money left, is turned down by friends, directors and his own agent, tries to convince an arrogant casting director what a good film and stage actor he was and still is. He starts mentioning movie titles which, in reality, belong to Naschy's own filmography. A part from that, Jacinto Molina is also an "aging actor" in real life. It may break your heart to see, what has become of the guy which, in his prime-time, was an athletic and handsome typical "Macho Latino", as he appeared, for instance, in "Blue eyes of the broken doll". Now he is almost bald, wrinkled and walks with the help of a cane... but, as an actor, believe me, he is alive and kicking big time! Surely he can fully relate to the Thevenet character and understand, better then anybody else, what it would mean, for a once famous actor, loosing his audience and being forced to go from one humiliating and hopeless casting-call to the other, just to survive. This knowledge helped him to craft this complex and powerful character. There is no intention from my side to spoil your pleasure, if you decide to watch this movie, by giving you in advance the whole plot or too many details. I will only say that he keeps sinking towards his final humiliation, until he finally snaps and the inside growing rage pushes him to kill all the scumbags in the entertainment industry, he considers responsible, in one way or the other, for his misery. As a skilled actor, he does it however in a stylish manner, impersonating, one after the other, a gallery of infamous madmen, like Ivan the Terrible, Jack the Ripper, Rasputin and others. He "gets busy", using mainly a precious collection of assorted Japanese sharp blades, just perfect for the gory slashing, but a handgun comes also handy at times. The killings are bloody and brutal but, cinematographically, exceptionally well crafted. Gore-hounds will love them and love this movie. In his descent to the lowest level of dignity, he gets also involved in the production of a "snuff-film". I consider this horrifying and savage sequence being, cinematographically, one of the best of the whole movie. Earlier in the movie, he signed a "Contract" with a bizarre character named Mr. Reficul (read it backwards...does a bell ring?), who offered him a humiliating but well rewarded job. This will be the starting point of his brutal career as a deadly agent of the Dark Side. A part of Naschy's acting performance (which I consider superb), it is worth to mention a young fellow named Miguel del Arco, who delivers a remarkable mean-spirited performance as Mr. Reficul. The dialogs are clever and, sometimes, very amusing. Right in the opening scene, Thevenet gives to a friend a detailed description of an odd sexual-aid technique he finds quite effective..... His friend is embarrassed to death and his face shows it all. This monologue is absurd but Naschy is capable to make it sound almost logical and perfectly acceptable. The scene is a blast! Beware, unless your copy has subtitles (avoid dubs at all costs), you need to be in full control of the Spanish language, to completely appreciate the dialogs and the movie in his entirety. The cinematography and the visuals are awesome. Director and cinematographer have probably seen Argento's "Suspiria" and Bava's "Kill, Baby Kill" and have learned the lesson. They successfully apply all the technical marvels available from today's technology, to create a kaleidoscope of dizzying chromatic visuals, in which "reds" and "yellows" provide an extra kick, during the most atmospheric and dramatic sequences. The camera moves rapidly, morphing from one sequence to the next, the accurate and swift editing ads tension, all this supported by an appropriate and atmospheric original soundtrack. To me this is a highly recommendable stylish and gorgeous "fantastic-horror" movie. So please, grab your pop-corn (or cup of Spanish Brandy if you prefer), sit back, relax and go for the ride but please, don't forget Thevenet's words, concluding his "El Murillo Movie Award" acceptance speech:"...be very careful with what you sign...!!!" I give it a 9 out of 10.

The Glorious Return of a True Icon - Standing Ovations for Paul Naschy!

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 8/10 · 21 September 2009]

Rojo Sangre (2004) is a magnificently morbid film as such, and a wonderful tribute to its star, one of the true icons of European Horror/ Exploitation cinema, the glorious Paul Naschy (aka. Jacinto Molina). Personally, I've been a fan of the Spanish Horror deity for years now, and I really don't know what made me wait so long to watch this, more recent Naschy-film. "Rojo Sangre" was written by Naschy himself and directed by Naschy's son Christian Molina, which makes it obvious why this film is such a great tribute to Naschy's career, and, at the same time, such a great film of its own right.

Like hardly another film, "Rojo Sangre" allows an aged Naschy to show what a great actor he actually is. Naschy plays Pablo Thevenet, a fallen, formerly successful stage- and screen-actor whose career was destroyed after a personal tragedy, and who now has to struggle through life and apply for jobs in advertising, which he finds humiliating. He then gets an offer he cannot refuse: a bunch of very sinister people are to pay him a large sum of money for impersonating serial killers such as Giles de Rais and Jack the Ripper in front of an exclusive nightclub. Though he hates the idea of being a living statue, Thevenet accepts. His new job, however, also raises murderous desires in Thevenet, particularly against those he makes responsible for his downfall, but also those who deny him the respect he deserves...

The role of Pablo Thevenet is perfect for Paul Naschy. The character is (partly) a loving tribute to Naschy's roles from the past, and, at the same time, an incredibly interesting character as such. There is no doubt that this role (and film) was written specifically for Naschy and there is no greater tribute imaginable. Actually, this is probably the best performance by Naschy I've seen, and the proof that he isn't only a cult-icon and Exploitation-multi-talent, but actually a great actor beyond that. As in many of his old roles, Naschy plays a character that is likable, even though demented, and, this film's elaborate script and higher production values allow him to make it a very deep, intriguing character. The film's delightfully morbid storyline is wonderfully photographed in nice Gothic settings, the characters are entirely demented. Bloody, demented, witty, and absolutely wonderful, "Rojo Sangre" is a film that every lover of European Horror and Exploitation cinema should enjoy, and an absolute must-see for my fellow Paul Naschy fans. Not to be missed!

I thought my fame would last much longer...

[lastliberal · 8/10 · 28 February 2010]

One of the great Spanish horror actors, Paul Naschy plays the role of Pablo Thevenet as if it is autobiographical, and it may very well be.

He is washed up as an actor. Current directors want only pretty faces and lots of silicone. He lands a job as a doorman that allows him to use his prodigious talents as he was meant to.

It is obvious that Pablo is entering a deal with the devil, but when the devil's assistant looks as good as Bibiana Fernández (Almodovar's Matador & his La Ley del Deseo), who cares? Apparently Pablo had some unpleasant experiences in life besides his downward fall as an actor and he snaps. This is where the horror begins. He is to spill blood copiously to get revenge.

Christian Molina, in his first directorial project has managed to give us a new view of horror in a very stylized way, almost as good as Argento. I am looking forward to seeing his other films.

Naschy does "Death Wish"?

[Groverdox · 8/10 · 28 June 2018]

In "Rojo Sangre", that god of Eurohorror, Paul Naschy, plays a thinly veiled analogue of himself as an actor in the twilight of his career. At one stage he lists some of the movies he has made, and Naschy fans will instantly recognize many films from Naschy's own career. Sadly, as Naschy is here portraying an actor whose career has gone to seed, those titles aren't the only glaring reference to the actor's real life.

Pablo Thevenets is an actor who the world has sidelined due to his age. He is ridiculed by casting directors, all younger than him, who regard him as a relic of a bygone and embarrassing era. When he finally lands a role, it is humiliating, and doesn't even involve acting on stage or screen: rather, he is relegated to dressing as macabre historical figures in front of a restaurant - and generally in the pooring rain while passers-by jeer at him.

This job pays well, but for Thevenets - who has recently lost his daughter to murder and wife to another man - it is a final straw, and it begins to feel a bit like Naschy does "Death Wish", only with the criminals being puffed up showbiz hacks. Before we take Thevenets as a Paul Kersey clone, however, there is also the fact of his new boss, Mr Reficul, and what that name spells when reversed.

This is all, of course, a treat for Naschy fans, for whom "Rojo sangre" is unmissable. If you have never seen a Naschy film, this one might not sell you completely - there are a ton of films from his back catalogue that are required viewing for anyone who is interested, particularly "El Caminante", "Night of the Werewolf", "Inquisicion", "Panic Beats", "Horror Rises from the Tomb", "The People Who Own the Dark", "The Werewolf Woman Versus the Vampire Woman". "Rojo Sangre" is a fans-only must-watch, but is a must-watch, nonetheless.

arguably one of the more wickedly entertaining old school horror films of the noughties!

[Weirdling_Wolf · 9/10 · 2 June 2021]

The man with a hundred frightful faces is given plenty of additional face-space to flex his uncommonly fearsome facial muscles in the fabulous Faustian phantasmagoria 'Rojo sangre' wherein Spanish Horror icon Paul Naschy gives another bravura performance as ageing down on his luck actor Pablo Thevenet, made melancholy due to personal tragedy and becoming increasingly bitter in response to the almost complete lack of job opportunities. The once lauded Shakespearean Thespian now reluctantly accepts the seemingly lowly position of theatrically adorned, wholly stationary doorman, this curiously well-paid position smilingly proffered to him by the darkly charismatic businessman Reficul(Miguel del Arco) is, perhaps, too good to be true, and the voluminous contract the desperate Pablo signs contains a fatal clause he will soon be dying to break!

'Rojo sangre' is a more than worthy entry in the splendidly grisly canon of its chameleonic, creep-inducing star as he gorily descends into a diabolical Dantean Inferno of Grand Guignol retribution, devilish duplicity, and soul-bartering, B-Movie barbarity, all served up in the inimitably insane fashion of one of horror cinema's most dazzlingly versatile villains, whereby Paul Naschy's majestic mastery of the macabre makes 'Rojo sangre' arguably one of the more wickedly entertaining old school horror films of the noughties! A total classic!

It helps if you're a Paul Naschy fan

[TidalBasinTavern · 27 February 2014]

Pablo Thevenet (Paul Naschy) is a once famous actor now humiliatingly reduced to trying (and failing) to get bit parts in third rate films. That is until he makes a Faustian pack. One actually wonders if Paul Naschy was acting: it all feels like it might have been too close to personal experience. That gives the film a particularly edgy feeling.

Bibi Fernandez has real presence as Beelzebub. It would have been good if she'd had more of a role. Visually the film is let down by the nasty modern aesthetic which makes it feel like a TV movie. Also I think the snuff movie sequence felt a bit off-key and didn't feel fit with the tone of the rest of the film.