Rewind: ‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ Review
Since the first Vampire Hunter D novel was released in 1983, writer Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrator Kevin Leahy have crafted over 40 novels in the series. The story follows the titular Dhampir – half-human and half-vampire – as he hunts vampires across a far-future after a nuclear war. Despite the series’ popularity, 2000’s Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is only the second (and most recent) feature adaptation.
The film opens with the arrival of Baron Meier Link, a vampire nobleman whose ascending carriage brings a foreboding air that freezes running water and makes roses wither away. He departs into the night with Charlotte Elbourne, a young woman whose family believe that she was abducted. This leaves her family to hire D with the intention of rescuing Charlotte from the vampire’s clutches, even if it means killing her if she has been turned. Also on Baron Link’s trail are a family of bounty hunters, leaving the two pursuing parties in competition.
Based on the third novel, the marvellously titled Demon Deathchase, this story has been exquisitely brought alive by anime studio Madhouse. At the helm is writer/director/Madhouse co-founder Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Wicked City, Ninja Scroll), and it is clear from the opening moments how gorgeously this thrilling tale has been realized. From the fluidly crafted fights to the breathtaking moments of horror, this eye-popping visual feast sees stunning life breathed into this captivating world.
Central to the film is the titular character, as D lives a long and lonely life that often results in his symbiotic left hand being the sole source of conversation. It adds to an overarching theme about the loneliness that comes with vampirism, along with the thought of the eventual funeral being unpopulated. For D, his status of a Dhampir leaves others fearful and distrusting of him despite his actions, a sentiment that not all share. A scene when an old man shows their gratitude for the past is a touching moment of humanity, something which is sorely needed by the protagonist across this unforgiving landscape.
Admittedly, there is a familiarity to the story which is difficult to shake off, leaving stronger examples of similar tales to enter one’s mind. There is also a “surprise” villain reveal in the third-act which feels unnecessary, yet that does not hinder this one-of-a-kind tale. What remains is an amalgamation of genres that taps into horror, science-fiction, western, and romance to bring alive an utterly unique world. With a heartfelt cherry on top of the grisly sequences, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a standout entry that must be seen by fans of anime and/or horror.
