"Vampire Knight" centers around Yuki Cross, a young girl who, alongside her adoptive brother and best friend Zero Kiryu, strives to maintain harmony between the human students and the vampire students at Cross Academy, a school designed to separate and protect both groups. The story unfolds as Yuki unravels mysteries about her own past, confronting the complex ties that bind humans and vampires in this unique setting rife with intrigue and emotional conflict.
Key themes in "Vampire Knight" include the struggle for coexistence amidst deep-seated mistrust and prejudice, exploring the blurred lines between good and evil. The series delves into identity and acceptance, as characters grapple with their dual natures and the moral dilemmas that come with their vampiric existence or human vulnerability. Love and sacrifice are also central motifs, highlighting the tension between personal desires and greater responsibilities.
Upon its release, "Vampire Knight" garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its dark, gothic atmosphere and compelling character dynamics. Its blend of romance, supernatural elements, and psychological depth resonated with audiences, influencing the vampire genre within manga and anime. The series contributed to popularizing the 'romantic vampire' trope in 2000s Japan, making a lasting impact on pop culture through adaptations, merchandise, and inspiring future works in similar veins.
Ran for 3 seasons.
Main Cast of Vampire Knight
Daisuke Kishio
Kaname Kuran
Daisuke Kishio delivers a captivating performance as Kaname Kuran in the TV anime "Vampire Knight," perfectly capturing the character's complex blend of regal authority and underlying vulnerability. Kishio's nuanced voice acting brings depth to Kaname's enigmatic and protective nature, distinguishing this role from his typically more lighthearted or comedic characters like Kuranosuke Koibuchi in "Penguindrum." A notable trivia is that Kishio voiced Kaname Kuran across multiple adaptations, including drama CDs and the anime, showcasing his enduring association with the character.
Yui Horie
Yuki Cross
Yui Horie lent her voice to the character of Akatsuki
Kain in the anime adaptation of 'Vampire Knight.' Known for her distinctive and versatile voice acting skills, Horie brought a nuanced depth to the character, blending a sense of calm authority with underlying vulnerability. Her performance was well-received by fans and critics alike, who praised her ability to convey complex emotions while maintaining the character's enigmatic aura. What made her portrayal unique was her subtle modulation of tone, which added layers to Akatsuki's mysterious persona without overshadowing the storyline. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Yui Horie personally requested to study the original manga closely to accurately capture the emotional essence of her character, showing her dedication to delivering an authentic performance.
Crew of Vampire Knight
Full backstage crew list →