Synopsis
Throughout the passage of time and the shifts in backgrounds, a particular war continues to leave its mark on history, extending its influence into the modern world. There are two major groups involved in the ensuring war. The first group consists of monsters known as Chiropterans who can change their appearances into that of human beings. They are actually immortals who feed on the blood of the living. The second group is an organization known as the "Red Shield", formed to track down these monsters and exterminate them. Otonashi Saya is a high-school girl who lives a peaceful life with her family. The only problem is, she has no recollections of her life beyond that of the past year. However, her happy life will be destroyed by an event that will lead her to her destined fate.
Review (Overview)
From the light novel and manga, Blood+ is a 50 episode masterpiece produce by the team of Production I.G and Aniplex. The story basically entails a high school girl named Saya Otonashi who has lost memories and lives a peaceful life with her family until one night, she assaulted by a vampire-like creature called a “Chiropteran.” After learning that her blood is the only that can defeat them, she embarks on a journey alongside the Red Shield organization with the same mission in order to defeat these creatures and in the process to help Saya regain her memories.
To set the bar straight, you don’t have to have any knowledge of the film, Blood: The Last Vampire to see Blood+, but it does make several allusions to the plot, but doesn’t take anything way. Aside from the film, the anime plot is highly conductive with many odd and surprising twist and turns and fluid storytelling that help moves the plot along; while evolving it to something far better than what it began with. The characters are also a great asset, either with a role in Saya’s past such as Hagi; her Chevalier or Protector (Knight in French), George Miyagusuku; her surrogate father and war veteran, and David; key member of Red Shield or her future such as Kai Miyagusuku her adopted elder brother and cast of other various characters that helps shape Saya’s destiny.
In the grand scheme of things, the structure make it’s shift toward a uncommon, but all the same pattern of blah….blah, another anime with a high schooler fighting some evil force, but makes self apparent to the goal of becoming something much more without trying to hype itself into something it isn’t. Although as standard as it is, it rather exceptional in style and approach which makes it’s watchable and enjoyable, but all the same something different.
If you are familiar with Tsubasa Chronicles and Ghost In the Shell then the animation will mirror exactly that and is pretty unmistakable for anything else since I.G and Aniplex usually keeps in their realm of style and animation sequences; usually know for cute protagonist and rough looking antagonist figures composed with beautiful artwork as always. It’s not a visual stunner, but gets the job done. The voice actors for both the Japanese and English are well done and you probably heard them before as well in other anime pieces; so not many newbie’s taking center stage, but experienced and talent individuals. Aside from the voice actors; Blood+ boost a very nice and original music that derives itself from classical and symphonic themes that go over well with the scenes and makes itself useful to any situation. No much to say, but it works for me.
On a personal note, I really enjoyed the Blood+, yet at the end of the journey it just feels like another series completed and a closed resolution, but at the same time no need in trying to make it progress and try to revive an already finished story. The direction in which the story was aimed met its accomplishments pretty much like a basic story of good vs evil, good wins, and the hero either rest or goes on another journey type deal, but feels like it ignores the rules and makes it own ending. In other words, it’s nice story with feel of accomplishment, but after you watch once, you are probably done and recommend it to your friends.
Conclusion
There are many anime like Blood+ in the universe, but the same time: none like it. Similar maybe to its design and execution story wise, but not the same due to the story aim itself and execution premise. It is truly an anime that is recommended, but again: probably after seeing it once you will probably be done and move on from it.
- Pros: Nice storyline, likeable characters, standard plot with many interesting twist and turns. Straight to the point. Recommend to watch.
- Cons: Little replay value, feels standard in design too other anime (but not boring or momentous.)
Score: 95/100
You can Purchase Blood+ From…
…or wherever DVD’s are sold.
June 5, 2010 @ 07:55.
Sorry to ask but is 95 a good score???