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The main event of the night was the sequel of Vampire Hunter D. The cult classic movie based on novels created by Hideuki Kikuchi.
D is a half-breed, half-human, half-vampire known as a dampiel. He has been around for hundreds of years, hunting vampires down and trying to suppress his own blood lust. D is armed with a sword and a very powerful talking hand that also provides some comic relief and give D the power to suck things into an abyss in himself.
The vampire hunter is a legend in the anime industry. More than just a cult following when it was created 15 years ago, Vampire Hunter D has been re-released on video and DVD, by Urban-Vision. D destroyed all opposition in the first film, saving a young rancher, Doris, from the clutches of the vampire Magnus Lee. The film is considered a classic by many anime fans, many of who were ecstatic to see a sequel being made after all these years.
If you liked the first film, you will love the sequel. The fans clapped for every big scene and went nuts just seeing the title screen come up. This movie by far blows the original out of the water. This time D is joined by other bounty hunters, each armed with cool weapons that totally kicked ass. Stealth arrows, twirling blades, and more make for a vampire's worst nightmare.
In fact, the story opens during a time where there are fewer vampires than ever before. Searching for survival, the last thing any of the vampires want to see is Vampire Hunter D. In fact, these new bounty hunters aren't too happy to see that D, who is stiff competition for any mortal vampire hunter.
The new story centers around a young woman captured by a dashing vampire. Her family wants her back and hires a group of bounty hunters and D to find the young woman. Whoever finds the young woman firsts wins the money. But a problems arise when it is suspected the young woman wanted to be taken away.
The story is exciting, well drawn, and well written. D isn't in the story as much as previously, but he steals the show with every scene he was in. His interaction with the female bounty hunter makes for compelling drama and an excellent story. Even the so-called bad vampire has a sensitive side to him, adding many layers to the story.
Vampire Hunter D 2000 is way better than the original. Don't believe me? Ask the fans who couldn't stop cheering throughout the hour and a half-long film. If not the best Vampire Hunter film, this movie was by far the best of the festival.
If you saw the film and want to put in your two cents drop me a line at JMinners@ybfree.com.