Tokyo Vampire Hotel

Growing up with the likes of Junji Ito Manga, Takashi Miike, Koji Wakamatsu and other genre-bending, mind-bending films, this was a piece of cake. I honestly loved this modern, neo-Tokyo style depiction of vampires and the drama, blood and wackiness that ensues. I love how they blended Romanian and Japanese language and the action was awesome. Yes, it's wacky, yes a lot of it doesn't make sense...but if you stick with it you will enjoy it. It helps if you know Japanese cinema, which can be hilarious, downright ridiculous and oftentimes grotesque in the horror genre.

This series is bifurcated into the many things it does so well and the things which appal. The filming done on location in Romania, though short, is suitably strange and gives the series an international look. The anime flavour to the fluffy story inspires some of the best live action choreographed anime. People do walk into hits but that's to be expected with so many bodies flying about.

The costuming is exquisite and playful from tourists abroad to Grand Guignol vampire fashion. Cosplay elements helped define character and ordinary weirdness of this vampire world. Soundtrack plays well with the violence and mayhem. The strident stripes of the hotel give way to colour and warmth reflecting both sides towards the end coming to a friendly arrangement.

Characters have no life of their own, even caricature would work better. Manami, the major focus of the series, walks around stunned and not knowing what she is doing most of the time. The brilliant action sequences squeeze out the plot so that it is inconsequential. Some humour in the vampires' breeding programme for humans but drowned out by the violence. K's lesbian back story is tokenism and if foregrounded would have given the plot more sinew. The overriding plot of vampire faction machinations fizzles out to... From the very first massacre we are warned that style comes first, explanation if any is an afterthought.

Goodness - by the end it's absolutely one of the funniest things since ... brain dead? Crossed with the cook the thief his wife her lover.

As the effects get worse the series really finds its self.

While the directing of Sono normally begets disturbing visuals and grotesque violence, most of his works still have an abstract narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Upon initially seeing this series on Amazon, I thought I would be getting myself into something similar to his previous works. However, his impression on Tokyo Vampire Hotel isn't as prevalent as I would have liked.

Throughout the show, you can definitely see his signature charm pouring through with the visuals. The choreographed battle sequences are peppered into the series eloquently, even if they drag on a bit longer than you might have expected. This isn't entirely contrary to Sono's previous titles (see: Why Don't You Play in Hell) where violence drones on for several minutes, but the creativity from that movie are sorely missed here.

It also felt as though Tokyo Vampire Hotel had a couple filler episodes. This was odd for a short series; almost as if Sono was pressured to create something that stretched beyond his initial vision. The desultory structure of this show is prevalent, but don't let that dissuade you from watching it as I was still thoroughly impressed with the ending that does a great job in tying the confusing story together.

Overall, I think it deserves to be watched. The plot is just as rare as any other Sono work, even if it's a bit against the grain of his previous film-making forays. The characters are interestingly designed and the dialogue suits them perfectly; the choreography had some really clever moments; and the soundtrack is really memorable.

The only downside is that it is an Amazon original, which makes it difficult for some to actually watch it. If you can find a way to view this, definitely give it a go. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

I've watched the miniseries. This one is for Sono's hardcore fans. It's one of, if not THE most beautiful job of Jim- great use of colours, cinematography and also very good shots in every single episode.

The story starts really well, but then it becomes repetitive and a bit annoying (even if always with great scenes to surprises us). I think the material was great to be probably half of the time, but it's still very enjoyable for who is a fan of Sono.