Action Cult Classic

When a Chinatown merchant is murdered, undead vengeance comes with fangs—and a side of laughs.

THE JITTERS

Q: What is The Jitters about?

The Jitters is about a Chinatown merchant who is murdered by a gang and brought back as a Chinese vampire to take revenge, blending action, comedy, and horror.

It's a Feeling You'll Never Lose ... Once You Got 'Em You Just Can't Shake 'Em.

1989 · 1h 20m · R · Action / Comedy / Horror · IMDB TMDB

A rich Chinatown merchant is murdered by a street gang. The merchant's son and assistant bring him back to life as a vampire, and he and other vampires fight the street gang.

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Quick Answer

What is The Jitters about?

The Jitters is a 1989 action-comedy-horror film directed by John Fasano about a murdered Chinatown merchant who is resurrected as a Chinese vampire to seek revenge against the gang that killed him.

Programmer's Pick

Hong Kong hopping vampires land in North American Chinatown with a vengeance—and a punchline. John Fasano’s film gleefully mashes up supernatural kung fu, gangland menace, and undead slapstick, making it one of the few horror comedies to feature both keung si mythology and streetwise revenge. Just try not to get the jitters yourself.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in Chinatown, The Jitters follows the aftermath of a brutal crime spree committed by a merciless gang. Frank Lee, a respected merchant, is murdered by these criminals and has no means to defend himself—until death proves to be only the beginning. Revived as a 'Kyonshi,' or Chinese vampire, Frank finds himself imbued with supernatural powers and a thirst for retribution. The film blends action, comedy, and horror as Frank and other newly minted vampires turn the tables on their tormentors. Expect genre-bending mayhem, supernatural twists, and an unconventional take on vengeance—all delivered with a dash of undead humor.

Details & Specs

Director: John Fasano
Release: 1989
Runtime: 1h 20m
Country: Japan, United States of America, Canada
Language: English
Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror
Also Known As: The Jitters, O Vampiro de Chinatown, Les Kyonshee

Cast & Crew

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Director: John Fasano

Sal Viviano Michael Derrick

Marilyn Tokuda Alice Lee RA Randy Atmadja Frank Lee

James Hong Tony Yang Sr. DS Doug Silberstein Leach

Frank Dietz Rat

Jonathan Goldstein Joey

Lisa Foster Jennifer

Andrea Roth Gang Gal JQ John Quincy Lee Tony Yang Jr. JD Jesse D'Angelo Bobby RT Richard Thorne Al DR Dave Roberts Rocko MM Mark M. Cheung Chan JP Joe Podnar Monster Chan CC Cindy Cirile Mona KL Keefe Lee Wing Ho DC Darren Cole Speed LD Lana Davies Gina JM Jeff McKay Dirty John KP Katherine Pederson Hooker BQ Barbara Quinn Hooker TB Tony Bua Alley Thug

Mark Cheng Ho-Nam Thug

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Independent Film Revenge Supernatural Power Vampire Gang Wealth Son Chinatown chinese vampire keung si

Why Cult

Chinese Vampire Twist

The film introduces the 'Kyonshi'—a hopping vampire from Chinese folklore—into a modern urban setting, blending Eastern and Western supernatural traditions.

Chinatown Undead Revenge

A murdered merchant rises from the grave to take on the very gang that killed him, offering a supernatural spin on the classic revenge plot.

Genre Mashup

Mixing action, comedy, and horror, The Jitters delivers martial arts, vampire antics, and street-level drama with tongue firmly in cheek.

Independent Film Energy

With its offbeat premise and spirited execution, the film brings a quirky, low-budget charm that cult movie fans will appreciate.