Tombs of the Blind Dead (1971)

Well, a long time ago there were these really badass knights called the Templars, ok? These guys were into the old devil worship, sacrificing a virgin here and there, and oppressing the people they ruled over. Eventually everyone finally got sick of their antics and rose up against the Templars, killing them and leaving their strung up bodies for display, of which the local crows had themselves a snack consisting of Templar eyeballs. Now, since these guys were devil worshippers, they of course are able to periodically rise from the dead and continue the nasty habits that they enjoyed in life. What this film lacked in storyline, acting, etc. is made up for many times over by the whole atmosphere that permeates throughout the film. Next to the undead in Fulci’s “Zombie”, the Templar knights have to be some of the coolest looking zombies ever. They are pretty much nothing but skeletal corpses with goatees, but they are pretty damn creepy looking. The scenes of the Templars, riding their horses in search of victims are without a doubt simply beautiful to look at. I hate to get technical here but I believe the correct film term to use here would be “surreal”. The soundtrack greatly enhances the mood, as does the photography, in which all scenes were shot at real-life ancient ruins. I won’t get into the story too much, as it is pretty much nonexistent. People trespass on Templar territory, Templars rise from the dead, kick ass and so on. We do get a little nudity, a hint of lesbianism, and one extremely foxy Spanish chick who is the first to fall victim to the Templars. I doubt mainstream audiences will find much to like here, but us select few who know the good stuff will get a kick out of it.