"Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" is set in a distant, post-apocalyptic future where vampires, though dwindling in numbers, still wield considerable power. The central plot revolves around two competing parties hired to retrieve a young woman named Charlotte Elbourne, who has been seemingly abducted by a powerful vampire nobleman, Baron Meier Link.
Here's a breakdown of the plot:
* The Abduction: Charlotte Elbourne, a human maiden, is taken from her home by Meier Link. Her wealthy father, John, hires the legendary dhampir (half-human, half-vampire) D to bring her back, dead or alive.
* The Rival Hunters: At the same time, John Elbourne also hires the Markus Brothers, a highly skilled and ruthless family of human vampire hunters, to pursue the same bounty. This creates a tense competition between D and the Markus Brothers.
* The Pursuit: Both D and the Markus Brothers embark on a perilous chase across the futuristic landscape, battling various monstrous creatures and formidable guardians hired by Meier Link. These guardians include the mutant Barbarois, a group with unique and dangerous abilities.
* The Truth Revealed: As the pursuit progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Charlotte was not abducted against her will. She is, in fact, in love with Meier Link and chose to elope with him. Their goal is to reach a fabled stronghold belonging to Countess Carmilla, a powerful ancient vampire, where they hope to find a way to escape the constant conflict between humans and vampires and live peacefully.
* D's Internal Conflict: D, a stoic and solitary figure, faces not only external threats but also his own internal struggle as a dhampir. He is an outcast among both humans and vampires, grappling with his dual nature and the loneliness it brings. He develops a complex relationship with Leila, one of the Markus Brothers, who shares a similar sense of isolation and a tragic past connected to vampires.
* The Climax: The chase culminates at Countess Carmilla's castle, where a powerful and eerie sequence unfolds. The various parties clash, and the true intentions and tragic circumstances of Meier Link and Charlotte's love are fully revealed. The film explores themes of love, loss, prejudice, and the struggle for existence in a world torn between two ancient races.
* The Resolution: The outcome is ultimately tragic, highlighting the futility of escaping fate and the deep-seated conflicts that define this world. D, ever the stoic hunter, fulfills his obligation in his own unique way, leaving a lasting impression on those he encounters.