Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a 2000 Japanese anime film directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, based on the third novel, Demon Deathchase, in Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D series. The film follows D, a dhampir (half-vampire, half-human), who is hired to find Charlotte Elbourne, a human woman who has been abducted by the vampire nobleman, Meier Link. Simultaneously, Charlotte's brother hires the Marcus Brothers, a group of vampire hunters led by Borgoff, leading to a parallel pursuit. The story unveils that Charlotte was not kidnapped but willingly went with Meier out of love, challenging the perception of good and evil. D must not only face vampires and mutants, but also the prejudices from both humans and his own lineage. Ultimately, D forms a pact with Leila from the Marcus Brothers to care for each other after death, highlighting his loneliness and sense of duty. The film is renowned for its gothic visuals and compelling narrative. Produced by Madhouse, it is also known for its unusual practice of recording the English dub first.