Thursday, November 4, 2010

Foreign Fears: Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl (2009)

review written by Steven M. Duarte












Wow! I’m really not sure how to describe, or even where to start with, this kooky Japanese film. I have seen many J-horror films, and many foreign films in general, and have never seen one to match the likes of "Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl". I previously thought 2008's ultra weird and extremely graphic "Tokyo Gore Police" held the title for an absurd plot, with insane amounts of gore, but TGP doesn't hold a candle to this film. In a nutshell we have the main lead character who’s a vampire. She transfers to a new high school where a young lad catches her eye. Without his knowing, she feeds him her blood, which is tucked away in some chocolate treats. He starts turning into a vampire, which does not bode well with his current girlfriend. His girlfriend ends up having a mishap, and gets turned into Frankenstein Girl and, you guessed it, they battle it out for the leading male's heart. Yeah, pretty out there, but that’s not to say this wasn’t a fun ride. Blood is spilled by the bucket loads; skin is ripped right off people’s skulls. Aside from the zany plot, and ridiculous amounts of gore, there are crazy side plots going on, such as a group of Japanese teenagers who are in a club who think they are African American. They even go so far as to paint their skin black and wear Afro wigs. Pretty offensive stuff, but considering what else is going on, you really won’t find yourself focused too much on their zany un-PC subplot. Also highlighted in the film is a club who cut their wrists. They even enter a contest of who can slice their wrists the most times without their arm falling off.
No.
I’m not exaggerating.
This film is really that twisted.
The production company behind this film is the same behind the gory "Machine Girl", which, despite its graphic violence and insane plot, isn’t as extreme as this film. But VG vs. FG never takes itself seriously, and it really does take you for an insane ride of dismemberments and waterfalls of blood.
Check this one out if you get a chance and don’t say I didn’t warn you.



--Steven M. Duarte