Blood: The Last Vampire Recommended

Publisher
Manga Entertainment
Director
Hiroyuki Kitakubo
Production
Production IG
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Film
Running time
48 mins
Year
2000

Blood: The Last Vampire

By Rob Argent
27th Apr 04

For those interested in tense, tough anime action (in particular the likes of Vampire Hunter D, CastleVania or any other kind of vampire fighting media), then perhaps you should check out the new slayer on the block, Blood: The Last Vampire.

A quick, but not rushed, intro brings the story into focus, establishing the dark and dangerous world the protagonists live in. The plot revolves around a young woman named Saya, a mysterious and brooding character who works in conjunction with a number of stereotypical government agents (you know, black suits, shades and no names) and also carries a rather large sword around with her most of the time. Disguised as a schoolgirl, she enrols at a school near an American air force base during the Vietnam war. Amid the depravity of prostitution and the threat of the war, Saya conducts a search for creatures which aren't really explained, battling them with that huge sword mentioned earlier. As the story draws to it's climax, this clandestine operation eventually becomes an all-out war in itself.

Most of these events, however, are witnessed by a schoolteacher, a secondary character that allows the makers to create a disorientating effect, like that of a dream. Ordinary events unfold throughout the days while the nights are where the majority of the action takes place. Speaking of which, the action is fast and fluid, each fight being engaging while also being relevant to the overall story. At only 48 minutes in length, though, it has to be, which is a double ended sword with Blood - there isn't enough time to really elaborate on characters, but it does result in a tight, concise film. In a later scene, Saya's true feelings are revealed, but as soon as they are, she regains herself and reverts to her cold attitude.

The animation is very good, with the occasional mix of 2D and 3D ideas to add depth to the wonderful backgrounds. At the time that this film was released, there was a lot of hype regarding this form of animation, but there are only brief moments when this occurs. Still, it is a nice addition that does not detract from the overall picture, helping to further the menacing tone it creates. The sound is good, with good attention to background details, with certain sounds or phrases linking the scenes together quite nicely. Anyone interested in checking out animes for the first time would do well to watch this one alongside some of the classics like Akira or Ghost in the Shell. Likewise, if you are used to the ideas of sword-fighting, mutating monsters and aloof characters in films, then this is another welcome addition. Just don't expect to stay too long.

This review relates to the dubbed version.

8/10

-- Rob Argent 27th Apr 04

Blood: The Last Vampire Images