This review may contain spoilers
Picking up Vampire Host, I didn't have too much expectations about it. All I basically expected upon watching it was just to pass some time. What I didn't expect however, Was that already in the first episode I would be completely addicted to the drama. A drama based on the Bloodhound manga by the mangaka Yuki Kaori. I will be writing a spoilerless review.Rion Kanou is a 17 year old girl, And a great friend to her friend. One day she recieves a voice mail from her best friend who abrubtly got cut off. All she could hear from the voicemail was the sound of her friends really shaken up voice, And her saying that the person who has her captive is a real vampire. Not believing in vampires Rion's suspicions automatically leads her to a themed host club downtown, Where she meets the young Suou. Suou is refusing to have anything to do with her best friends dissapearance which makes Rion more sure that he is the person behind it. Leaving herself indebted by breaking a valueable wine bottle, She starts working in the host club and by a call of fate she finds out the truth of Suou. This fated encounter eventually leading her into a dangerous journey ahead filled with new encounters, Dangers, Sadness, Happiness, Laughter, Fear and some romance. It doesn't seem like something special when you first watch it, But when you've watched it for a bit things definately becomes more original aswell as entertaining.
The soundtrack isn't too special. Its fitting that of a short drama, But it doesn't stand out especially much to the point of needing to be bragged about.
Vampire Host is definately not a drama you should miss out on. If you like romance, comedy, vampires and ofcourse the supernatural-genre, this will be a mustlove for you. They have however decided to keep parts of this drama somewhat alike the vampire stereotype due to the manga. Allthough things might get exaggerated often in the series, Its a part of its charm..
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes there are cheesy parts, and yes Rion is annoying but the Suou chacter is the scene stealer. He is funny, thinks he is charismatic and though he's been a vampire he still seems to forget his limitations. He's a 'good' vampire thats trying to resist killing humans and is constantly helping Rion though he doesnt want to.
there is something for everyone in this drama: There is some blood/gore but its really corny. There is some biting, and boy is it melodramatic. The whole thing centers around a host club so there is some sexy. lol.
the episodes are 30 min so they go quickly, take a chance and watch it- its fun!
Was this review helpful to you?
A Likeable Female Lead, But Certainly Cheesy Even By 2000s Standards...
The first thing to say about ‘Vampire Host’ for those curious or who have stumbled upon this drama by chance, is that if you’re easily offended by “ mild” sexualisation , low-budget special effects, dark humour or Matsuda Satoshi‘s questionable acting when he “ transforms” as his vampiric character Suou, then this series probably isn’t for you. All joking aside, ‘Vampire Host ‘ is a show which is a product of its time , but retrospectively it was not an entirely “ dire” drama either. In fact, against its many obvious cliches and tropes which emerged throughout ‘ Vampire Host’ , the two main characters interactions and personalities were fairly captivating for viewers.As a character, Rion is surprisingly a subversion of typical “ ditsy” or “ girl-next-door” contemporary drama stereotypes of the time ; she’s outspoken, curious and fairly intelligent, being able to point out and work numerous things ahead of Suou when they begin solving crimes . However, perhaps my biggest complaint about Rion as a character was that she had little backstory or interaction outside of necessary main characters , that allowed us to see Rion become more “ fleshed-out”. In addition to this, the scriptwriters’ choice to sometimes sexualise Rion during the “ cosplay” scenes, may also raise some eyebrows for modern watchers . Although it is easy to see the comical side of this rather than the drama actually making more lewd suggestions , it did feel a little out of place for some of these scenes with the notable “ horror and crime” undertones of the show.
The second primary character of ‘ Vampire Host’ is Suou; a mysterious, yet unconventional vampire working as a host in Tokyo. It was oddly refreshing for a drama produced during the heyday period of the vampire genre, to see Suou as an actual individual rather than the stereotypical “ mature and stoic” approach often taken in vampire shows. Suou is humorous , dim-witted ( at times) and easily irked by Rion’s interest in the “ supernatural”; ironically cynical towards the mysterious and ineffable crimes which are thrown their way. Yet, one of the biggest problems of Suou’s character can often be traced towards his ending decision in the series and his overall relationship with Rion .
On this note, it’s probably important to stress that if you are looking for an overt romance between Suou and Rion over the course of the drama , then ‘ Vampire Host’ probably isn’t for you. Although there are romantic undertones between the two characters, the drama is primarily focused upon the mysterious, morbid crimes that the two characters are exposed to over the course of the series .
Although the storyline has a main plot, the episodes were fairly cyclical and repetitive within their structure; a new and mysterious crime emerges, a victim or disappearance occurs which alerts Rion or Suou’s attention , the duo try to find more clues and confront the mastermind before finally solving the case. This is ultimately an easy storyline to follow, yet, the story-plot only introduced in the last couple of episodes, often felt rushed and lacklustre in the grand scheme of Thurber . Rather than spreading out or hinting towards this intriguing storyline in earlier episodes and scenes, the delivered felt more anticlimactic jigsaw puzzle, than something for viewers to happily take away with a sense of completion .
Overall, it is probably fair to say that ‘Vampire Host’ isn’t something which can be defined as a timeless classic; it is low-budget in terms of special effects, film quality and styling , the cliches can be seen as outdated as well as ridiculous, and the acting is certainly questionable at times as well. Nevertheless, there was an odd appeal towards the series within its intriguing characters and morbid plot focuses. This isn’t a drama to watch if you’re looking for something with actual visual and sensical quality, but it is a certainly a cheesy welcome break from heavier dramas which have focused on these themes in the past .
Was this review helpful to you?
the two leads had an oddly pleasant back and forth.
this is nothing that's going ot blow your mind but it will definately leave you with a satisfied smile if you dont take it too seriously.
Was this review helpful to you?
I usually drop things quick if I dont think it was done well but this show picks up quick (esp since the episodes aren't that long) and I embraced the chunny-ness (cheesy-funny-ness?)
Was this review helpful to you?
I really love this show its like my first time watching japanese drama/show and this one is way to good I liked everything about this show and I wish there will be season 2, I really recommend watching this show when your done from it your gonna be sad xD!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE
WHOEVER MADE THIS SHOW NEED THEIR ASSSSSSSSSSS AND POPO EATTTTTTTTTT>>>>>>>>. most of the time I don't like vampire shows or movies because it's so serious but this one ///////// you get killing and laughing at the same time(if that makes sense) AND WHEN HE TURNED HER INTO A VAMPIRE SO THEY COULD BE TOGETHER FORVER>>>>> I MIGHT HAVE DIED AND CAME BACK TO LIFE>...>>>>>>>>>> YOU'RE GETTING ADDED TO MY BOOK OF LOVE
bhdcihqo;ouehfiyfewgfhewdihebifwqohw dshdbcojfeoiwjfuwrofjpidugqjoiegpoergjiripruvrokrvearnvdkfubdsojfbsifdosfi0dsbjnubje'rijgierjgujeqrogierug'erjuoejrge
Was this review helpful to you?
oh imma tell u the ending but yea.. this is the first drama that i rlly rlly like it alot even if at the end the characters doesnt end up together...but all i culd say is that they noe that in their heart, they will always remember each other n will try their best to live for each other...
this drama is a good drama n funny one..i rlly laughed alot during the whole time watchin this drama..n i finish the whole drama in just a day...this drama rlly cheered me up bcuz wen i was watching this drama , i rlly was having a hard time in life ...
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
