Vampire Hunter D (1985) and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)
What I Watched: October 2023
In keeping with this month’s spooky theme I decided to watch the Vampire Hunter D anime film series. A fantasy-horror anime set in a futuristic dystopia where creatures of the occult lurk in the shadows, and are pursued by bounty hunters who attempt to eradicate the Earth of their unholy existence.
Adapted from the Japanese novel series Vampire Hunter D created by Hideyuki Kikuchi, and later developed into Manga comics, the 1985 and 2000 films boast plenty of grit, gore and greatness. Visually stunning in their aesthetic with looming gothic structures and plump, brimming moons, these films are just a pleasure to watch in all their colourful and nostalgic entirety. It felt like I had been transported straight into an old school dungeon arcade game, as protagonist D sets out on a quest to rescue kidnapped damsels from the fangs of ancient vampire lords. Atmospheric and gothic, these atypical films are nevertheless noteworthy watches.
Although slightly dated from it’s retro design, Vampire Hunter D (1985) didn’t shy away from displaying acts of vibrant, bloody sci-fi violence with grotesque looking monsters, living to serve Count Dracula as devoted creatures of darkness. The film follows a pretty generic structure for a plot where anti-hero D is recruited by a hesitant virginal female to help slay her immortal pursuer, and in doing so inevitably wins over her heart due to his humble, heroic nature and unavailability. D of course being a ‘Dhampir’ or half breed as the result of a vampire and human procreating, is destined to forever roam alone never belonging to a society, and so devotes his life to hunting vampires in order to win over the hearts of.. mortals? Or perhaps he just despises the part of himself that thirsts for blood.
A relatively short and sweet film that isn’t overly complicated in it’s storyline, is easy on the eyes and leaves room to enjoy it for what it is; a spunky, electric animation.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) for me was one of those beautifully rare occasions where the sequel is better than it’s predecessor. Taking all of the charm from it’s first movie and building on it, Bloodlust gives the impression you’re watching an independent short film be adapted into a feature-length blockbuster (in a good way!). The same eery, apocalyptic setting is displayed although much more refined and mature, as D wanders across desert wastelands home to unforgiving creatures. He still carries the same air of mystique and status he is known for by his competition, as other vampire hunters dog his every step in the hopes of stealing the bounty at stake.
Bloodlust is captivating as it’s story unfolds, and I felt a deeper sense of attachment and connection to the characters who are given a lot more detail and depth. Just as shockingly violent, with a generous inclusion of fight scenes, but with more finesse and class.
Will you be watching this series? What are some other of your favourite gothic anime films? You can read the rest of my posts here Let’s Talk Film
Happy Halloween!! :)
