Tokyo Vampire Hotel (2017) User Reviews

All the Flair of Sono Without the Structure.

[bhiargoplease · 7/10 · 19 May 2018]

While the directing of Sono normally begets disturbing visuals and grotesque violence, most of his works still have an abstract narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Upon initially seeing this series on Amazon, I thought I would be getting myself into something similar to his previous works. However, his impression on Tokyo Vampire Hotel isn't as prevalent as I would have liked.

Throughout the show, you can definitely see his signature charm pouring through with the visuals. The choreographed battle sequences are peppered into the series eloquently, even if they drag on a bit longer than you might have expected. This isn't entirely contrary to Sono's previous titles (see: Why Don't You Play in Hell) where violence drones on for several minutes, but the creativity from that movie are sorely missed here.

It also felt as though Tokyo Vampire Hotel had a couple filler episodes. This was odd for a short series; almost as if Sono was pressured to create something that stretched beyond his initial vision. The desultory structure of this show is prevalent, but don't let that dissuade you from watching it as I was still thoroughly impressed with the ending that does a great job in tying the confusing story together.

Overall, I think it deserves to be watched. The plot is just as rare as any other Sono work, even if it's a bit against the grain of his previous film-making forays. The characters are interestingly designed and the dialogue suits them perfectly; the choreography had some really clever moments; and the soundtrack is really memorable.

The only downside is that it is an Amazon original, which makes it difficult for some to actually watch it. If you can find a way to view this, definitely give it a go. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Style, costume, design tick. Plot?

[heraclitus-59136 · 6/10 · 5 November 2020]

This series is bifurcated into the many things it does so well and the things which appal. The filming done on location in Romania, though short, is suitably strange and gives the series an international look. The anime flavour to the fluffy story inspires some of the best live action choreographed anime. People do walk into hits but that's to be expected with so many bodies flying about.

The costuming is exquisite and playful from tourists abroad to Grand Guignol vampire fashion. Cosplay elements helped define character and ordinary weirdness of this vampire world. Soundtrack plays well with the violence and mayhem. The strident stripes of the hotel give way to colour and warmth reflecting both sides towards the end coming to a friendly arrangement.

Characters have no life of their own, even caricature would work better. Manami, the major focus of the series, walks around stunned and not knowing what she is doing most of the time. The brilliant action sequences squeeze out the plot so that it is inconsequential. Some humour in the vampires' breeding programme for humans but drowned out by the violence. K's lesbian back story is tokenism and if foregrounded would have given the plot more sinew. The overriding plot of vampire faction machinations fizzles out to... From the very first massacre we are warned that style comes first, explanation if any is an afterthought.

Wacked out splatter-fest

[fatamorgana-40208 · 6/10 · 31 July 2021]

The plot is silly and the acting is not much better. But I give it an A+ on the gore and eroticism. Don't go out of your way for this one, but if you got nothing to do on a rainy weekend and you enjoy over-the-top violence in the name of vampires...this could be the show for you.

Classic Sono but the plot was not enough

[PedroPires90 · 7/10 · 12 July 2021]

I've watched the miniseries. This one is for Sono's hardcore fans. It's one of, if not THE most beautiful job of Jim- great use of colours, cinematography and also very good shots in every single episode.

The story starts really well, but then it becomes repetitive and a bit annoying (even if always with great scenes to surprises us). I think the material was great to be probably half of the time, but it's still very enjoyable for who is a fan of Sono.

Totally Unique and very memorable

[christine-neumann · 10/10 · 19 May 2018]

Tokyo Vampire Hotel served as my introduction to Sono Sion's work and it did not disappoint. I am a fan of the vampire genre, but most films and television series do not do it justice. This series, however, was completely engrossing and a must-see if you are a fan of the genre. The storyline was unlike anything I've ever come across - it was surprisingly engaging and it kept you thinking well afterwards. The visuals were utterly stunning, akin to a dreamscape, and reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick. Overall, very mind blowing! I am very glad to have discovered the series and look forward to watching it again.

Only Amazon could have financed this

[x_manicure_x · 3/10 · 14 August 2021]

I watched the whole series and had a hard time finishing it. Not that I had many expectations to begin with, but that's definitely too long for such a pointless plot and lack of ideas. The gratuitous B-movie horror gore and gaudy setting are quite entertaining at first, but as things keep endlessly repeating themselves you grow tired pretty soon. The action is all condensed into the first and seventh episode and leads to the most anticlimactic ending ever. The rest is cheap human drama and blabber about vampire factions.

It looks like there is a condensed theatrical version that might be better, as Sion Sono's visual delirium is the only thing to appreciate here. Just not for 8 hours.

A nice change

[vapulabe · 9/10 · 31 December 2019]

I've seen many vampire stories and this one is quite unique. Far from the usual human vs vampire view, we have here two vampire faction fighting each over. Fights are very visual and bloody, very far from the usual clean views that we find in most vampire films.

Some times, it may be a little confusing... but everything comes in place later.

A misconceived venture

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 11 June 2018]

TOKYO VAMPIRE HOTEL was conceived by executives at Amazon, who wanted to create more Japanese shows as part of their global remit. Thus they approached the great director Sion Sono (responsible for such masterpieces as COLD FISH and LOVE EXPOSURE) and gave him carte blanche to make his own horror-themed TV miniseries. This is the result. Sadly, it turns out to be remarkably poor, with convoluted and unremarkable plotting throughout; another spin on a kind of UNDERWORLD mythology with rival vampire clans battling it out for supremacy and humans getting caught in the middle. The miniseries seems oddly padded despite the short length, with too many characters doing too few interesting things; there's no depth at all, just a kind of glossy superficiality. A couple of the episodes are all-out action set-pieces full of choreographed mayhem and an incredible amount of blood splatter; inevitably such moments turn out to be the highlights of an overall disappointment.

Absolutely nuts and just gets nutter.

[rdoanderson · 10/10 · 21 November 2021]

Goodness - by the end it's absolutely one of the funniest things since ... brain dead? Crossed with the cook the thief his wife her lover.

As the effects get worse the series really finds its self.

one of the worst series I have ever seen

[ulrichlaurent · 3/10 · 6 April 2020]

If you like weird scripts, weird acting, weird ideas, weird stories, then you are home with this serie. I'm usually optimist on my recommandation but here I had the strength to watch the first four episodes before I finally gave up, it was such a collossal waste of time I couldn't go further. Maybe people who are very fond of theatre could find in likeable if they at the same time are huge fans of Japan culture ? I'm a fan of animes, I love many series and movies from japan but this one was over the limit for me. I hope other people will like it more than I do LoL I was indeed amazed byt the IMDB rating given to this serie because At all times it never went above 4/10 and was more around 3,,5/10 than 4 most of the time.

You have to know Japanese films to appreciate this film.

[quianabb · 10/10 · 7 October 2020]

Growing up with the likes of Junji Ito Manga, Takashi Miike, Koji Wakamatsu and other genre-bending, mind-bending films, this was a piece of cake. I honestly loved this modern, neo-Tokyo style depiction of vampires and the drama, blood and wackiness that ensues. I love how they blended Romanian and Japanese language and the action was awesome. Yes, it's wacky, yes a lot of it doesn't make sense...but if you stick with it you will enjoy it. It helps if you know Japanese cinema, which can be hilarious, downright ridiculous and oftentimes grotesque in the horror genre.

Huge disappointment

[poinla37 · 3/10 · 1 March 2021]

I've seen a lot of anime and Japanese series. This one is really overated. I could only watch the first episode as the (lack of) acting is really really really bad. The tone aims to be grotesque and bizarre, but it fails completely. Also, that was a real dealbreaker for me, but when you shoot with a Desert eagle (the big shiny pistol), it's not supposed to make the same noise as a smaller pistol with a silencer. This lack of attention to details is really what makes me stop watching a film or a series. Coming from a famous film director such as Sono, that's really disappointing.

Awesome

[melanthros · 9/10 · 23 January 2020]

This siries is awesome I'm so glad that I learn about Sono He is unbelievable . It is so deferent from all the other vampire movies . It is like you watch an anime . The acting it's huge The paranoia to maximum . Plssssss a second season plsssss

What the hell is this!!!!

[yuencarmen · 1/10 · 8 July 2018]

I am a big Japanese fan but I seriously cannot get through with this. Series 1. ep7 now and I am getting more confuse than ever. Acting is unbelievable bad, storyline... is there one? Why am I still watching this? I don't Know it is so bad I just want to make sure I am right al along... seriously I think we have wasted my precious live... I cannot understand why it's get 6, stars... I have seen a lot of rubbish but this is by far one of the worst. Particularly the man with pink suit. Where the hell they found him? His acting is non existent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Horrible

[moranj-85620 · 1/10 · 31 January 2021]

Acting is do bad I wonder how it passed the editing room

I can see why Korean movies are better

[nayokow · 2/10 · 26 July 2022]

The directing, the writing, the acting are all stupid. The style is so 90s. No wonder Koreans are ass kicking. Japanese movies have very poor quality and didnt advance since the 90s.