Bloodtype Online

    Japan is overrun with demons that pose as human beings and only show their true form when under some sort of stress.  To combat the demons and to protect the innocent there exists a group of elite warriors called the demon wardens.  Izumo is their greatest swordsman and demon hunter until a fateful night where he accidentally kills an innocent child.  He puts down his sword and goes into a self-imposed exile.  Izumo reinvents himself as a matinee idol in the Kabuki Theater and tries to forget all about his previous life.  This plan is successful until the day 5 years later that he runs into a mysterious woman named Tsubaki whom he feels an immediate connection to.  All while this is happening the demons are planning the return of their queen Ashura.  Upon her return they will rule the world and destroy mankind.  Jaku a former lieutenant in the demon wardens and Izumo’s rival aids the demon’s efforts.  Izumo finally realizes that Tsubaki may unwittingly be destined to play a part in the return of Ashura and he is forced to try and defend her from Jaku and his new demon allies.   

    This is a really great movie.  The plot is interesting and engaging without being overly confusing.  I consider this a real feat considering that at times this movie is a love story, action movie, and supernatural monster movie.  Somehow the writer and director manage to blend all of these genres into one very enjoyable movie.  The actors, who do a great job in their roles, especially Somegoro Ichikawa who portrays Izumo, are critical in successfully accomplishing this as well.  Ichikawa is able to portray Izumo as both playful and comedic, as well as being very serious later in the film when the script asks him to be.  Not only that but he is very proficient with the sword, which is critical for the character throughout the movie.   

    I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the action sequences in Ashura.  The swordplay is well choreographed and executed on scene.  As one expects in these movies there is much blood spilled and sprayed across the screen (in this case it is green!).  The special effects are mostly all CGI and it honestly isn’t great.  But in the case of this film the sill cartoon like look to the transformed demons actually works pretty damn well.  The few practical effects and costuming that they used for the rest of the demons is minimal, but pretty damn cool looking.   

    Ashura combines great performances with an interesting story to make a kick ass movie.  I highly recommend that everyone check out this movie regardless of whether you are normally into Asian horror or Samurai movies or not.  You will not be disappointed.