Blood: The Last Vampire
Directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo

From the makers of "Ghost in the Shell" comes this stunningly beautiful CG Anime about a Vietnam-era military base in Japan plagued by vampires and the beautiful young vampire killer, Saya, who works for the government to stop them. Blood: The Last Vampire is such a perfect introduction to Anime for people who might have a prejudice against watching cartoons. (Be warned, it isn't for kids.) Blood: The Last Vampire is so much better than most Hollywood movies, (and better than a great deal of the other Anime movies.) The animation is so seamless and perfect, so beautiful that you almost forget you are watching something that isn't traditional animation. The story is a bit anemic and too brief. I was a little sad when it ended abruptly, but knowing this will protect you from the same kind of anguish. Fans of vampires and all things gothic will appreciate the new approach to vampires and fans of action and suspense will love the eye candy. Saya, dressed in a Japanese schoolgirl outfit, wielding a samurai sword and the strength of a gorilla, is a wonderful anti-hero. The DVD has some nice extra features and belongs on a shelf near your television for regular viewings. Trust me, it's good stuff.

Terry Osterhout
September 2003