Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) is a dynamic visual smorgasbord. When Charlotte is kidnapped by the vampire Baron Meier Link, D the bounty hunter is contracted to bring her home. D must square off against a competing group of bounty hunters - the notorious Marcus brothers - and a band of mercenary mutants. The mutants, the Barbarois, though primarily henchmen for Meier are the most fascinating band of toughs you’ve ever seen.
His name is simply D.
D is a dhampir; i.e., a human/vampire hybrid with a storied past. His left hand is possessed by a wisecracking spirit represented by a ghoulish face—yes, Vampire Hunter D has a talking face on the palm of his left hand.
The plot is simple yet it draws you in. The dialogue is well done and the voice actors deliver it passionately. The mind blowing, mostly 2D animation was created by Madhouse Studios in Tokyo and post-production was completed California. The music does what excellent movie music should: add to the mood without distracting you from the action or dialogue.
Meier burns in the sunlight; he is soothed by Charlotte's embrace.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust had a limited United States theatrical release in 2001. Some criticize the story as lean and muddled, which is far from the truth. Set in a distant dystopian future, Bloodlust is neither a vampire nor a dystopian film; it is in essence a love story. Without spoiling the film, Meier and D are both driven by deep-seeded passions, and those desires propel the action in the film. D’s mother was human and one can sense that he longs for a world where his mother could have lived in peace. Meier longs to experience love and will literally die for it if necessary. Charlotte is willing to betray her wealthy family in pursuit of love. Leila, an ally of the Marcus brothers, lost her entire family to vampires. Her palpable thirst for vengeance must be reconciled with the sexual tension between D and herself.
As aforementioned the Barbarois mutants are hired by Meier to assist him in his post-kidnapping journey to safety. Among them is Caroline, a shape-shifter; Benge, who can manipulate shadows; and Mashira the werewolf. All three characters are extraordinary as visual candy. Benge emerges from the shadows to bludgeon his victims and Caroline is sleek and deadly, but Mashira steals the show. Mashira literally has a wolf’s snout emerging from his abdomen—awesome.
Mashira, one of the Barbarois.
This film reminded me of Fire and Ice, the 1983 animated feature film directed by Ralph Bakshi, co-created with Frank Frazetta. Bakshi also presented a simple “damsel in distress” plot with unbelievable visuals. The difference—Bloodlust director Yoshiaki Kawajiri offers vastly stronger characterizations, earning Bloodlust 4 out of 5 stars.
The sensibilities of anime dictate that the action be over the top with numerous face-offs and blood. But D is more than an action hero; indeed, he is a tortured man who refuses to allow his people to slaughter human beings. His charisma seems to capture the heart of Leila. That same swagger and coolness will make you an instant fan of Vampire Hunter D.
One of the most intense battles in anime, without a doubt.
* William Figueroa, writer of this review, is the owner of Thunderstorm Games and Comics, a partner of The Anime Guardians. Visit his blog site at http://thunderstormgc.blogspot.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment