Cinematic live-action transitions of anything based on the lore of comic books or mangas are always held to a level of scruitiny these days. Fortunately some of these endeavors fare better than expected, with specific regard to manga novelist Yana Toboso’s serial 2006 graphic novel, Black Butler, one of the most popular mangas to date.
Based on the best-selling comic series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso, the long awaited live-action film “Black Butler” finally arrives in UK cinemas.
Hiro Mizushima of “BECK” (2010), portrays the perfect, but arrogant, demonic butler, Sebastian, in this stylish action film directed by Kentaro Otani of the “NANA” series, and Keiichi Sato of “Asura” (2012).
Mummified dead bodies of various dignitaries from around the world are being discovered, a mysterious tarot card left beside them at the scene. The world is headed towards chaos…
Kiyoharu is the young head of the Genpo noble family, owners of a massive toy manufacturing enterprise. He also functions as a secret watchdog for the Queen, a service that his family has provided for generations. The Queen orders Kiyoharu to solve the mummification incidents, and he starts to investigate. He is supported by his perfect butler, Sebastian, who is actually a demon.
Kiyoharu has been hiding his true female identity since his parents’ tragic death 10 years earlier. In return for perfect service to his master in public and private, Sebastian will receive his master’s soul after Kiyoharu achieves revenge for the murder of his parents. Who is really behind the serial mummification deaths? Will Kiyoharu finally find out who killed his/her parents?
Black Butler (cert.15) opens in UK cinemas on 17th October 2014, courtesy of Warner. Bros UK.
