Toxic Masculinity Unleashed: ‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ Review

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As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge the captivating appeal of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s work. Whether it’s his innovative direction or the striking blend of action and dramatic artistry, there’s something truly mesmerizing about it. Having delved into an analysis piece for his timeless masterpiece, ‘Ninja Scroll’, I am now immersed in ‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust‘. If you found ‘Ninja Scroll’ enthralling, then this film is tailor-made for your taste. It’s quite likely that my unwavering affection for Kawajiri has intensified the impression ‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ left on me compared to the original Vampire Hunter D movie.

Upon a second viewing of this movie, I noticed an overwhelming amount of masculinity that seemed harmful, it made me feel like I wanted to chase away some demons myself! Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is the ideal film for countering toxic masculinity with a dose of its own kind!

Going old-school with the VHS trailer!

PLOT:

Character D embodies a unique being, known as a Dhampir – half human, half vampire, similar to Blade. Unlike traditional vampires, D possesses all their strengths and only suffers from heat sensitivity after prolonged sun exposure. He is the epitome of the strong, silent anime hero, brimming with determination to accomplish his mission no matter the cost.

In a post-apocalyptic world, he fights for humanity against the monstrous creatures that prowl the darkness. Accompanying him on this perilous journey is the symbiotic Left Hand, who provides comic relief but also plays an essential role.

The film “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” opens with the abduction of a woman named Charlotte by a formidable vampire named Meier Link. Although his name is quite impressive, Charlotte’s father enlists the help of the hunter D, not for him to retrieve a vampire, but Charlotte herself. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s brother engages the services of the Marcus Brothers, a group of skilled mercenaries from Nolt, consisting of Kyle, Grove, Leila, and led by Borgoff, in search of her as well.

What sets “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” apart from “Ninja Scroll” is their shared emphasis on a multifaceted cast of characters that leave a lasting impression. In the story, both Vampire Hunter D and the Brothers are pitted against Meier Link. As they encounter a horde of zombies and vampires intentionally left as obstacles, we witness these main characters in full swing. The intense action sequences in Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s films make them thrilling experiences that pump up your adrenaline.

As I watch from a distance, it’s clear when D eventually catches up to Meier. Here, an unexpected twist unfolds: Charlotte chose to accompany the vampire herself. This revelation, slowly adding layers of mystery, starts to pique my curiosity about the story’s progression.

To enhance the impressive ensemble, Meier brings on board the Barbarois mutants, who lay a trap for the Marcus Brother hunters – a common element in a Kawajiri production. The initial shocking moment arrives when Nolt is slain by Benge, a mutant with the power to control shadows…on second thought, this reminds me strongly of Ninja Scroll, as it too featured a character capable of manipulating shadows.

In a different phrasing, here’s how it could be expressed: D persists in his efforts and approaches the Barbarois demanding they cease shielding Meier. However, the Barbarois have a strict code that they abide by, prompting them to retaliate against D, fully aware that many of their own may perish in the process. But before the conflict can reach its climax, Grove materializes as a ghost, interrupting the battle.

One significant factor contributing to Anime and Manga’s growing cultural influence in the West is their ability to swiftly evoke empathy towards even minor characters. For instance, consider Grove, a weak, dying yet compassionate individual who needs a serum to utilize his power. With each use of his power, you can see he’s growing weaker, but he perseveres nonetheless.

Anime and Manga are winning the West culturally because they can make us quickly feel for even secondary characters. Grove is one such character – he’s weak, sickly, yet caring. He needs a serum to use his power, but it’s killing him with each use, yet he continues anyway.

In this scenario, when D triumphs over his ghost, it causes him pain, but subsequently, Benge’s shadow magic traps him. However, at this juncture, Left Hand’s abilities prove useful. He harnesses his powers to vacuum up the spell, thereby liberating D from its grasp.

Borgoff and Kyle exact their vengeance on Nolt, proving that the Barberois can indeed be vanquished. However, Leila turns against our group and sets out to find D. In a small town, she outwits the sheriff into pursuing D instead. Since vampires are generally despised, even helpful Dhampirs like D attract hostility.

In the small town, I found myself engaged in a horse transaction when an encounter with the sheriff and his deputies unfolded before my eyes. However, this tense situation took an unexpected turn as the seller of the horse intervened, reminding me of a tale from his past – a story where a Dhampir had saved some children, just like he was now doing for me. Age had caught up with him, but the memory of being one of those saved children still burned bright in his eyes. He brandished a weapon to defuse the situation and allow me a safe exit. The West could benefit from such compelling storytelling once more, as it subtly conveys the noble character of ‘D’ without the need for explicit proclamations.

This is “show don’t tell.”

In time, we discover that Leila harbors intense disdain for vampires due to a horrific event in her past: Her mother was abducted by one, who subsequently killed her father upon returning. The town’s people then brutally stoned her mother to death. This traumatic experience left an indelible mark on Leila, but she eventually forms a strong bond with D and makes a vow: whoever survives must visit her grave, as she believes no one will mourn her passing if she dies.

Why You Should Watch:

I’ll wrap up my review now, because as Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust unfolds, it delves into some truly heartbreaking events if you’ve developed attachments to the characters. Even Meier, who appears to be one thing, is not entirely what he seems. Your perception of him may shift as you uncover more details.

As an anime enthusiast who’s not always caught up with the latest releases, I must say that if a series hails from the ’80s or ’90s, the finale is bound to be spectacular. And let me tell you, “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” certainly lives up to that expectation!

There’s a moment in this movie where it might touch your emotions deeply – but if you’re a man, those feelings would probably transform into a fierce resolve rather than tears. So, channel your inner strength and watch this masterpiece with grit and determination.

You can watch the full length Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust movie for free on YouTube here.

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2025-03-25 23:15