vampire

The popular anime film, Blood: the Last Vampire, is set to release a live action movie in May. The film is being produced by Bill Kong, producer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon & Hero, and to be directed by Chris Nahoon. The movie is to be primarily filmed in English rather than in Japanese just like the original animated film.

The movie will be set in 1948 Japan shortly after World War II during the American occupation of Japan. The plot follows the story of Saya, a half human-half vampire who is part of a covert government agency that hunts and destroys vampires and other demons. Korean actress Jun Ji Hyun, known for her wildly successful movie, My Sassy Girl, will be portraying the title character.

Japanese actress Koyuki will be playing Onigen, the high ranking vampire that Saya will fight. Koyuki is best remembered for role as Iwaya Sumire in Kimi wa Petto opposite Matsumoto Jun, and as Taka in the Tom Cruise blockbuster, The Last Samurai.

The live action movie will be the 6th installment to the franchise which includes the full length anime film, a one-volume manga, three Japanese light novels, a video game and an anime series, Blood+, which is set in an alternate universe.

The film is scheduled to premier in Japan under the title Last Blood on May 29, 2009 to be followed by a UK and France showing in June. Universal Pictures have reportedly gotten the rights for a US release but no release date has been confirmed as of yet.

SOURCES:
Wikipedia
Internet Movie Database (IMDB)