Kingbeast's Lair

-== What is it? ==-

Highlander:The Search For Vengeance is an anime action movie that retells the story from the original live-action Highlander movie but adds some tweaks. It was written by David Abramowitz who has a history of writing stories for the Highlander TV series. Yoshiaki Kawajiri takes the director’s chair. Kawajiri is known for such anime epics as The Animatrix, Vampire Hunter D:Bloodlust, and Ninja Scroll. The movie was initially released in June 2007.

There is some nudity in the movie and one fairly tame sex scene. One of the nude scenes was a bit “forced” but it fit the story. The bloodletting is a bit excessive in one fight scene but in general it is not an issue. I honestly feel that some blood spurting is expected with action anime of this art style. The movie is rated “17+” at RightStuf.com and I think that rating is accurate.

The movie is 100 minutes in length. I purchased a copy of the DVD. The English dub is being reviewed. (Typically I only watch the English dubs. 😉 )

-== What I Like ==-

Highlander:The Search For Vengeance blends an American story with anime values. The story centers around the main character who is named Colin MacLeod (i.e. not Connor MacLeod). It follows his quest for vengeance through time. This is a story of revenge, love, and most importantly, a rebirth of spirit for Colin MacLeod. The story is fast, harsh, and very smart.

The artwork in the movie is exceptional. It follows a realistic style that will appeal to folks who like the artwork from Basilisk or Cowboy Bebop. Several times I paused the action to examine a vista or a move in a fight scene…speaking of fight scenes…

The first scenes are off the charts cool! In a movie set in the Highlander series you expect sword swinging…well you get it all through time. This is where the anime roots of the Japanese production company are utilized to their fullest effect.

Extras on Highlander:The Search For Vengeance include discussions with the crew and the director. I really enjoyed the discussions with sound and music departments. These groups were either integrated with Japanese and American artists or were overseen by Kawajiri directly. The teams had some interesting stories to relate about how they worked with the famous anime director.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

Even though I raved about the movie having a smart plot it is lean. Don’t expect lots of surprises. 😉

Colin’s adviser/conscious in the animated movie is in the form of a ghostly spirit called Amergen. Amergen can come off quirky in some scenes but I liked the way that he reminded me of Japanese folklore spirits.

-== Summary ==-

I can’t believe my first perfect score will go to a remake but Highlander:The Search For Vengeance is just that good. It is frankly one of the best animated action movies I have seen and a jewel in the Highlander franchise. If you like action anime or Highlander then this is absolutely a must buy. The price point is also very low. Highlander:The Search For Vengeance can be had for peanuts at RightStuf.com. (See the links below for information.) There can be only one…and if you have to pick one this one is a fantastic choice! 😀

You can get it for a measly $7.49 at RightStuf.com at this URL. It can be had at Amazon at this URL for $9.49.

I give it 10 out of 10 paws.