Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Director: George A. Romero

Writer: John A. Russo, George A. Romero

Tagline: They Won’t Stay Dead!

Actors: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley

Runtime: 1h 36m

Category: Zombie

Synopsis: Barbra flees to an old farmhouse after being attacked by a zombie. She holds up there while Ben, a local man, also spots the old farmhouse. They both hide inside while more and more zombies congregate outside. Soon they discover people hiding in the basement, Cooper, his wife and daughter, and Tom and Judy. While fortifying the house, power struggles ensue between Ben and Cooper. Soon the zombie hordes are too much to bear. Who could survive such an attack? Where can you hide from a zombie?

Review: I was very impressed with the amount of fact inlayed into this film. The concept was, if I’m not mistaken, brand new to the American film market and took the world by storm. No real special effects to speak of except for one explosion. But this movie was more than just cool effects; it was the foundation of an entire genre of movies. And if I do say so myself; this movie is, to date, the most factually accurate. The only things that weren’t, were that zombies do not fear fire and newer zombies would be faster and stronger. But…they will eat animals. That is what I thought was missing from most zombie movies; that zombies will eat any warm, living meat, not just humans. Overall, this is the most perfect zombie movie to date. Although it is not terribly scary or suspenseful, it gives you a feeling of isolation, paranoia, and hopelessness.

Rating: 25. I rate it as “perfect” because it is the only zombie movie to be so factually accurate. Apart from the great acting and the terrifying story, this movie is held up on a pedestal for all other zombie movies to look up to. Romero did it right the first time around, and set the bar very high. Some might say that it’s slow and boring, but one must understand that those feelings of hopelessness and isolation are major factors in making a memorable movie experience. So there you have it…maybe one of the last 25’s you’ll see for a while. But keep looking! There are plenty of unknown movies out there that might be perfect (or damn close), and I plan on letting you know about them. (25of25).