Although this movie is a part of the Black Butler franchise, it is not necessary to be acquainted with the story to understand the movie. The movie is basically based in an alternate dimension where the names are different and the main character is a cross-dressing girl. More on that later. The movie is about Shiori Genpou and her butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who serve as the Queen's 'Watchdogs', detectives for the weird and supernatural. So when mummified bodies start to turn up, Shiori immediately starts investigating. But things don't go well when her investigations leads her to a private party where she's caught snooping around. Fortunately she has Sebastian who is more than just a butler, he's 'one hell of a butler': a demon who serves Shiori in exchange for her soul. The pair need to have all their wits about them if they are to survive and solve the mystery.
The plot is really clever. Its full of redherrings but every detail is carefully explained in various flashbacks. Its really rather in depth actually and everything is explained. I quite often find stories like this difficult to keep up with and yet I followed this movie with relative ease. Although that may actually mean that the story is terrible and too straight forward, it makes me happy and that's what matters in the end!
I remember the original anime being very humorous and at times utterly ridiculous. This movie is not like this. It focuses a lot more on the action instead. Not that I can really complain! The action scenes are all beautifully choreographed. Considering Sebastian can technically take out all the enemies in the blink of an eye, I really appreciate the fact that they actually made these spectacular fight scenes. They really make the movie in my opinion. Also, it's quite gory at times, but its classy and well done gore and only actually adds to the story rather than detracting. But I really don't know how to feel about the new names and the fact that the new protagonist is a girl. It does feel like they strayed to far from the original source. Especially since is adds nothing to the story! However, it doesn't really cause any problem either.
One thing I did have a problem is though is that they couldn't devote themselves to one time period. The original Black Butler story was set very clearly in Victorian England. This movie isn't quite so obvious about because although the characters wear Victorian clothing, almost identical to what they wear in the original show! But there's modern cars and an incredibly advanced looking bomb. However it must be said that they really rocked those costumes. They are as beautiful as the original designs. Incredibly detailed and carefully constructed. They're perfect!
However, I am incredibly impressed by the casting! Ayame Goriki has the air of authority and nonchalance that matches Shiori's/Ciel's personality and Hiro Mizushima has a tall build and deep voice befitting of Sebastian! I am particularly pleased with Mizuki Yamamoto who plays Rin, the clumsy maid. In the anime I remember her for her distinctive voice which would squeak like a boy hitting puberty. Something that Mizuki manages to imitate in such a way that its still reminiscent of the original character but with the control necessary to fit the more serious tone of the movie.
In conclusion, I am happy I finally found this! It's the best film I've watched in a while actually! The plot is carefully created and the actors give their all to representing their characters. I am slightly disappointed that some of the best characters did not get realised in the movie but in the end I'd rather have a clever plot than a story bent around showing off as many characters as possible. As long as you're prepared for a less funny Black Butler, you will love this movie! It has a brilliant balance of violence and intelligence that I think any one could appreciate! So why are you still sitting there? Go watch the movie!
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