Review: Blood – The Last Vampire

“A great adaptation of a solid anime.”

I have to admit… Live Action Animes tend to scare me a bit. They have such potential for utter failure that it’s really hard for them to do otherwise. The type of imagery and visuals that a lot of animes are full of just won’t come across on-screen the same way. Fights that are intense and epic in ink may seem overdone on camera; or worse, rendered in poorly executed CG.

I have not, I confess, seen the series of Blood+ but I did watch the anime film which started everything. The Live Action film follows neither closely, but creates its own plot. I prefer it this way as it has less chance to cause a riot with existing anime fans. A new story is better than changing the old one. There are a few similarities in the beginning, but the movie quickly deviates into its own intricate storyline.

The film features some old school kung-fu scenes featuring Saya’s mentor Kato, which add a bit of nostalgia. Saya has some excellent sword fights and acrobatic stunts throughout. The fight scenes can be a little lengthy but are not at all boring to watch. The only true complaint I have is the CG looks rough in some scenes, but its passable. The animation of blood spraying could also use some work, looking much too thick and black to be blood.

The plot follows Saya, a 400 year old half-breed vampire with a dark past. She enters a school near an American air force base on the orders of “the Council”, where she soon befriends a young student named Alice. The movie makes several references to Alice in Wonderland, but it is tastefully done. You discover more about Saya’s origins about halfway through the movie and get a spectacular fight scene with Kato. Saya’s past is tainted by the oldest and most powerful demon, Onigen, who killed her father. The film follows the Council’s efforts to lure Saya and Onigen into a confrontation so she may fulfill her destiny. I thought the story was well written, though there may be some confusion when comparing it to the anime film; as I said before, this should be taken separate and apart from the anime.

The sound did it’s job. The music and soundtrack added to the atmosphere of the scenes, but it didn’t stand out and I recall no memorable scenes where I was enthralled by the composition. A good backdrop and enhancing the film, but nothing special.

Saya comes off short and cold, the actress’ accent causing some issue in the transition. I think she did an admirable job, however, the portrayal could easily be taken as simply bad action. I give her the benefit of the doubt. Comparing her to the original Saya of anime, she does very well.

Kato steps right out of a traditional kung-fu film as a wise and patient master. He has a few brief scenes in some flashbacks with Saya before exploding onto the screen in a well choreographed battle royale.

Alice is the character the story follows, an American girl who gets assaulted for being the general’s daughter. Saya aids her and a sort of friendship is formed. She holds her own well enough, however, I think the part itself exists simply to give Saya a reason to talk.

The supporting cast, specifically the two officers following Saya, did well.

The biggest knock I see is the CG animation. It is a bit jerky and the quality lacking, which is evident in any of the fast-moving scenes. The CG blood is off-color and does not spray realistically. The one thing that the film does do well is the ribbons of Onigen’s kimono that flit about in resonance with Onigen’s movements. That fight scene in particular is very entertaining to watch.

It doesn’t break any rules, but the film is very enjoyable to watch. The fight scenes are well stylized and the entire movie builds to a showdown between Saya and Onigen. Though some of the action could have been better, there is nothing that truly drags the film down. The movie is a good effort in putting imagery and action from anime into film. Watch it with an open mind, without harsh judgement and you just may enjoy yourself.

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