Vampire Hunter D (2000)

When the soothing comfort of sunlight starts to fade, beings of seraphic beauty become the undisputed masters of the night, instilling fear in every living creature. Water turns into ice before these blood-sucking monsters, and their victims realize that this uncanny chill is the harbinger of their inevitable demise. Fortunately, the number of vampires is dwindling thanks to the dauntless bounty hunters who track down and slay the near-immortal predators.

One night, tragedy befalls the Elbourne family as their daughter, Charlotte, is abducted by Meier Link, a revered vampire lord protected by an army of monsters. To save their beloved Charlotte, her family recruits the Marcus Brothers, a group of vampire hunters known for their ruthlessness; and D, a sword-wielding dhampir—a half-vampire, half-human who has the strengths of both species and the weaknesses of neither.

The hunters rush to rescue Charlotte, but if her abductor decides to turn her into a vampire, they should eliminate her. Moreover, their mission must be completed before Meier reaches the impregnable vampire castle of Carmilla and takes Charlotte out of humanity's reach forever.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

D Main

Tanaka, Hideyuki Japanese

Link, Meier Supporting

Yamadera, Kouichi Japanese

Leila Supporting

Hayashibara, Megumi Japanese

Left Hand Supporting

Nagai, Ichiro Japanese

Marcus, Grove Supporting

Seki, Toshihiko Japanese

Elbourne, Charlotte Supporting

Shinohara, Emi Japanese

Carmilla Supporting

Maeda, Bibari Japanese

Caroline Supporting

Soumi, Youko Japanese

Marcus, Borgoff Supporting

Yara, Yuusaku Japanese

Benge Supporting

Fujiwara, Keiji Japanese

Maruyama, Masao Producer

Yamamoto, Mataichirou Producer

Kawajiri, Yoshiaki Director, Storyboard, Screenplay

Kawamura, Kenichi Episode Director

Reviews

Apr 27, 2007

Stormy_77

Recommended

This movie gripped me from the opening sequence, that set the tone for the movie. Flawlessly artistic animation, the way the camera pans on Iron Crosses being bent out of shape, the shadowy cape of a *whisper* vampire, a woman screaming then the opening credits. Suspense, action, great animation. I was hooked.

The story seems simple on the face of it, but couched in the plot are beautiful layers of character development. A vampire hunter, D (a dunpeal or vampire/human half breed) is commissioned to recover a rich man's daughter, Charlotte, who has been kidnapped by a vampire. She is wanted dead (if turned) or alive ... (if still human).

D meets up with a band of bounty hunters, all of whom have their own special powers, and personal demons. Against them are an array of gypsy monster/vampires. The animation and sound are so good that one feels compelled to watch and rewatch the fight scenes just because they are so well done. Each character is different and their story comes through, the only fault is the minor villains' motivations could have been made more clear.

The pacing of this movie is excellent, and it is definitely theater quality in all respects. I've introduced my friends to anime by showing them this movie, a few have become fans. The only drawback is after viewing this masterpiece, some of them complain it is hard to get other anime of this caliber quality (plot, action, animation, character, sound).

Unlike the original Vampire Hunter D, the Bloodlust movie is gothic, gory, beautiful and touching. Highly recommended to be watched on a big screen, preferably with surround sound. You won't be disappointed if you rent/download this. It's so good you'll want to own a copy to add to your anime collection, as the rewatch value is very high.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jan 31, 2009

iamjoe

Recommended

Other than the magnificent turd-like mass that was the first Vampire Hunter D movie, this one managed to take the first one, pulverise it, and make a nice hat for itself to strut about it. Because it deserves to strut around, really.

D is a half-vampire, half-Mexican--er, wait. Anyway, D is not human but he's not exactly a vampire. His powers allow him to hunt most other evil vampires and he takes up a mission to save some stupid human girl who wants to get it on with the undead, and so runs away with her vampire lover. While D tries to get the hussy back, ... a rival gang who also hunts vampires compete with him. This movie was excellence. Watching all the action, the fabulous choreography of the fights were simply jizz-in-your pants worthy.

Art and sound were pure amazing. It looks beautiful, and D can make the straightest of men drool over his beauty, really. He was hotter than the chicks, believe it or not. Sound was cool, felt like I was listening to an epic horror flick. Which I was.

Characters weren't so hot except for D who we've established is walking, delectable man-meat for the ladies and just the sort of guy folks like myself just wanna hang around and kill things with. Anyway, D's just cool and aloof and can kick all types of behind. The rest of the characters were cool as well, I didn't have a problem with them, since most knew when to die anyway.

All in all, Bloodlust is the best Vampire Hunter D movie ever. And it is better than you, too.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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May 31, 2011

JDodds

Mixed Feelings

Vampire Hunter D – Bloodlust (2000) is a Japanese animated film directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. He has also directed big hit films such as ‘Ninja Scroll’. This sequel was created to the previous film in 1985 called ‘Vampire Hunter D’ as well as being based on the third of the Vampire Hunter D novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi.

The story follows a mysterious man torn between his allegiances as a Dunpeal, half vampire and half human. He travels as a vampire hunter and is employed by a family to track down their daughter whom was kidnapped the night before. But as he gets closer to reaching ... her more obstacles and problems arise in his way.

Characters
D – The son of the Vampire King and a human, he possesses the advantages of vampirism, as well as the weaknesses. He can control his bloodlust but suffers from ‘Heat Syndrome’ if exposed to sunlight for too long. This mysterious wanderer travels alone except for his parasitic companion latched to his left hand, and his trusty demonic-looking steed.

Baron Meier Link- A full vampire that abducts Charlotte in the night and falls in love with her in turn. Portrayed as the main antagonist through the majority of the film as he makes his way to Castle of Chaythe, the home of Carmilla.

Charlotte - One of the main female characters in the film, portrayed as a victim at the start following from her abduction. The chase is on to reach her and take her away from the vampire before she is bitten and becomes one herself.

Art/Animation
The animation in this film is detailed and well-coloured. Highlighting the features of architectural design for a chilling and dark atmosphere. An example of this would be the opening scenes where, it zooms out from the castle and graveyard to the town. And the careful detail used into the character design and appearances, especially their faces to enhance the mood with facial expressions.

Music
The music does a great job of fuelling the emotions and atmosphere the audience require to fully watch this film. This music composed by ‘Marco D'Ambrosio’ was set and produced perfectly in thought of this anime.

Conclusion
It isn’t the best film in the world that’s true, and although it is far from being called a masterpiece it is still worth a watch. If a true dark story without the happy ending crap is what you seek then your quest is at an end, so sit back and enjoy this film! Anyone that a good vampire animation is prompted to try this and I’m sure they will be happy with what they find.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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	Poll: Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Karikaturata - Jan 16, 2010	82 replies	by TheStarscream759 »» Nov 8, 7:47 PM
	Miss this old look KasutoroSama - Jan 21, 2022	4 replies	by _Sanchay »» Sep 11, 9:09 AM
	Full soundtrack available online AcbSnakeDemon - May 14	1 replies	by Ristic17 »» May 15, 9:09 AM
	Is this similar to Dune? AcbSnakeDemon - Apr 20	7 replies	by AkiraMiyazaki17 »» Apr 24, 4:10 AM
	What happened to the Vampire Hunter D series we were promised? AnnaSartin - Jan 23, 2015	16 replies	by AnnaSartin »» Mar 31, 4:16 AM

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