The cult hit TV series and set of live action movies get reborn in anime for an electrifying addition to the franchise in this all-new theatrical anime feature length film.

An all-new MacLeod is introduced in this animated movie. Colin MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod is an immortal, one of the few who cannot die unless his head is severed from his body. However, 2000 years ago he was only a Celt fighting a losing war against the Roman invaders. When the love of his life, the beautiful Moya, is murdered by the Roman leader Marcus Octavius, the Highlander is bent on a quest for vengeance that will lead him on a blood soaked road centuries long. Finally in the future, in a world now ravaged by pollution, global warming and a virus which has nearly wiped out humanity, Colin may get his revenge. The world is now decimated to feudal like cities, walled off and ruled by tyrants. The ruler of New York is none other than Colin’s archenemy, Marcus Octavius, also an immortal. When Colin is befriended by a beautiful woman named Dahlia, who fights to free the denizens of New York, will Colin choose to help those in dire need, or will he be forever trapped in his hatred and lust for vengeance that blinds him to all else?

The Search for Vengeance is an anime that is a scintillating addition to the incarnations of the cult Western Highlander series. For those unfamiliar with the phenomenon, Highlander was first released in the theatres in the 1980s and quickly became a sleeper hit. It soon garnered cult status as an innovative science fiction. It inspired four more movies and a long-lasting TV series here in the West. Each movie and the TV series revolved around a Highlander who is an immortal. Immortals have been among us always, secretly fighting a war, taking each other’s heads (the only way to kill an immortal) because in the end, there can be only one. And now nearing the 20th anniversary of the release of the first film, a fifth live action film is on the horizon. Fans of Highlander needn’t pine for new material this summer because this Eastern animated adaptation of the concept with a new character and riveting storytelling will thrill fans old and new alike.

The story of Colin is a moving one. He travels the world and the ages with only one thought, one goal in his darkened heart – revenge against Marcus. In N.Y., he watches the suffering of its citizens with detachment for he has not allowed his heart to feel anything except hatred and frustration for two millennia. When he meets the prostitute and freedom fighter Dahlia, something stirs deep within his soul. He fights it, but destiny has brought them together for a reason, and with Marcus revealed as the city’s ruler, all too soon, the fight for N.Y. becomes very personal for Colin. In the end, it is a story about the weight an immortal life bears on those who must carry it and the choices one makes in life, whether it is long or short. Colin’s abiding hatred is a thing that is shown to cripple him, only if he releases it will he ever truly be free and strong enough to defeat the calculating Marcus.

Like each of the Highlander incarnations, this anime also features many moments of history during flashbacks with both Colin and Marcus. For Colin and Marcus, both warriors, they are marked by battles such as the Celts being defeated by the Romans, feudal Japan just before the Meiji era, the Scottish battling the English, and a dogfight in the skies over France during WWII.

For those familiar with anime, this dramatic, even operatic story has a familiar vein. Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri who worked on such legendary anime titles as Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D, anime fans will recognize the spellbinding story telling, incredible animation and fine score. Colin shares a lot in common with D the Vampire Hunter and Jubei of Ninja Scroll. Like D and Jubei, Colin is an often silent figure of strength and sudden violence, always in search of the enemy, not taking time for rest, pleasure, or human attachments. Like D, Colin also has a sarcastic and constant companion. For Colin, it is the ghost of a Druid. Both Colin and D meet a beautiful and brave woman on their journey that changes them, humanizes them and reawakens a part of them they’ve long sealed away. Therefore if you liked Ninja Scroll and enjoyed Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, you will thrill to Highlander: Search for Vengeance.

The animation is an experience that will raise goose bumps along your skin and with the gripping story, send shivers down your spine.  Done by such esteemed animation houses as Mad House and GONZO, the animation does not get better than this. It is truly theatrical quality animation for a theatrical anime. The lush backgrounds draw the viewer in and the action is spellbinding.  It is a feast for the eyes.

Daringly choosing to be in only English spoken dialogue, the anime showcases both new and seasoned talent such as Janyse Jaud as the deliciously evil immortal Kyala, who is a familiar voice to fans of Inuyasha as voice of Kagura, Cardcaptor Sakura and Escaflowne.  Zachery Samuels is outstanding as Marcus, Eid Lakis is utterly convincing in her role as Dahlia, while Colin is played to terse perfection by Alistair Abell whose credits include Inuyasha, .hack//roots and Western live action appearances in episodes of Smallville, The 4400 and more. For fans of Highlander the TV series, this anime movie has a special bonus with Jim Byrnes voicing a character very similar to his role of Joe Dawson from the TV series.

If fans of Highlander the TV or movies are concerned about an anime being done of their favourite Western show, fear not. I’ve been a long time fan of both the movies and the TV show and loved every second of this animated film. Part of that credit no doubt belongs to the writer of the anime movie, David Abromowtiz. Not only has he written for other sic-fi cult favourites such as V, he also done writing for the Highlander TV series and is one of the writers for the upcoming fifth Highlander film. His familiarity with the canon helped bridge the difference between Japanese anime story style and the soul of the Highlander series to create an enthralling movie experience.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include East Meets West featurette, video montage, interview with Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Director), original teaser by Mad House, and previews of other Manga Entertainment titles.

IN SUMMARY:
Whether you’re fans of the live action Highlander or anime fans of such movies as Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, you won’t want to miss this title. Highlander The Search for Vengeance is a gripping film with spellbinding animation and masterful storytelling.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: