Cast
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Kaho
as K
Ami Tomite
as Manami
Shinnosuke Mitsushima
as Yamada / Prime Minister
Megumi Kagurazaka
as Elizabeth Bathory
Yumi Adachi
as Empress / Princess
Joey Iwanaga
as Joe
Lorena Koto
as Noah
Sayaka Kotani
as Do
Akihiro Kitamura
as Gen
Kouhei Takeda
as Red
Anna Konno
as Nakajima Ami
Shoko Nakagawa
as Giga
Takumi Saitoh
as Manami's boyfriend
Ayumi Teresa
as Blondie
Cyborg Kaori
as
Crew
Director
- Sion Sono
Writer
- Sion Sono
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Tokyo Vampire Hotel presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Sion Sono brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Tokyo Vampire Hotel took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 202 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Tokyo Vampire Hotel shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Life Blood, which focuses more on action than character development, Tokyo Vampire Hotel subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Wolvesbayne and Last Call explore similar territory, Tokyo Vampire Hotel stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 16, 2017
- Runtime: 2h 22m
