US/Japan Partnership Pulls Highlander to the 21st Century

Often when I pop in a new anime DVD, especially if it is one I am not familiar with, I won't read any of the attached press release material, and just try to take a clean slate approach to what I am viewing. So maybe I am a little embarrassed to admit that I immediately tried to turn on the subtitles and watch a subbed, not dubbed version of "Highlander: The Search for Vengeance".

What? No subs? What no Japanese language version?

OK! Pause! I immediately went back to the main menu and watched the rather interesting process of how this Yoshiaki Kawajiri directed animated movie is actually a joint venture between US and Japanese companies. (Hey, weren't we just talking about that yesterday?)

"Highlander: The Search for Vengeance" is a one shot animated movie which retells the tale of Colin MacCloud's search for revenge against his immortal enemy Marcus Octavius. MacCloud is also immortal. Neither can be killed unless their head is separated from their body. What ensues is a one-on-one battle that spans centuries leading to the final stage in a futuristic post-apocalyptic New York City.

The shameless, almost animalistic, obsession MacCloud has in avenging his lover's murder by Octavius makes him a part of every major battle or war in history over the next 2000 years. Octavius, though cunning and experience, as well as immortal, seems to work himself to the top of the winning side of every war, from Rome to Scotland to Japan and beyond. MacCloud, on the other hand, enters battle (and changes history), in the single-minded act of offing Octavius. And time and time again he fails. Rinse and repeat.

All of this happens in flashback scenes which flow nicely with the present-time story set in New York. MacCloud's "wise master", Amergan, chides MacCloud over the centuries. Berating his overly-focused, and essentially selfish goal. With his power he could have changed the world, but instead he seeks revenge on Octavius century after century. An important but obvious pieces of information is finally given to MacCloud that helps ensure this will be the final battle between the two immortals. (Umm, Amergan, thanks, but that was information we could have used 1000 YEARS AGO!).

Kawajiri's (Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Ninja Scroll) style fits perfect with the Highlander series. American fans know Highlander through the movie and TV series, and this animated format allows for a more sweeping sense of scale in battle and in time. The violence is not as over-the-top as some reviewers have suggested, but the 18+ rating is probably merited (also for language and brief nudity/sex scene).

What is enjoyable most about this title (besides the fact that everyone seems to go to Hokuto no Ken's barber) is the fact that the line between good and bad fades the farther we get into the story. Not that Marcus Octavius isn't evil, but isn't he just doing what many people gifted with immortality would do? And Colin MacCloud is the "good guy", but if he's so pure-hearted, why does he turn down the chance to help people (unless he gets something out of it)? It is this slightly deeper conundrum saddled with some terrific cinematic shots and bloody battle scenes, one after another, that makes me hope for more US/Japan cooperation in bringing great titles to fans in a new ways.