Review of Blade (1998) by Juan C — 18 Jun 2011

Now here is an interesting fact: X-MEN (2000) is often given credit for starting the superhero film renaissance. This is somewhat true, yet it is more often misleading. For those who have taken the time to see the movie BLADE, truth be told, this is the film that deserves such credit. BLADE is a superhero film about a relatively, at the time that is, unknown superhero. It is one the first films to take a fantastical character with a fantastical mythology and tried, successfully, to portray it in a realistic matter. That said, BLADE is one awesome film.

The narrative is quite simple: the character of Blade (which is perfectly portrayed by Wesley Snipes) is born a half-vampire, half human hybrid who is not only trying to rid the world of bloodsuckers, but to subjugate the tendencies of his darker half. Needless to say, Blade is a complex character who is desperately trying to come in terms with his diverse heritages. If there is one thing about Marvel superheroes is that they are often quite relatable. For example, Blade is the product of two hugely distinct cultures. One of which prays on the other. Caught up in between two different worlds, none of which can truly accept him because of his nature, Blade makes up for a very haunted character with much inner turmoil.

Probably the most interesting aspect of the film, aside from Blade, is the vampire lore that the filmmakers have created. In this universe, not only do vampires manipulate the inner workings of human society from the shadows, but there is also inner conflict within the vampire culture. There are the pureblooded vampires, which are born vampires, and then there are the "adulterated" vampires, who were humans turned vampire. The formerly human vampires, are often treated as second class citizens and looked down upon by the purebloods. This eventually creates tension and hatred between these varying class of vampires. The character of Deacon Frost is often used to represent said tension. Such tensions between purebloods, humans turned vampire and hybrids serves as an allegory for culture clash.

Action sequences in the film are brilliantly choreographed and intense. From the opening sequence, the bloodbath slaughter, to the final showdown between Blade and Frost (probably one of the greatest sword fights I've seen in film), the action is nonstop and testosterone fueled. Characters are beautifully fleshed out, the acting is superb (especially Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson) and the writing is actually better than is expected from this type of film. BLADE as a whole is better than it should have been.

After the failure of the later sequels of both the SUPERMAN and BATMAN films the superhero film genre was more than just dead. It was dead and buried. Then along came BLADE and revitalized it with kinetic energy while also paving the wave for other future successful superhero films.