BLACK BUTLER (2014)

Based on the hugely successful Japanese manga and anime, Black Butler the film has been blasted by many fans over the filmmakers' decision to change the gender and age of the main character alone.  Having not read the manga and only seeing episode one of the animated series (which I enjoyed), Black Butler really struck me as a film, so much so I continue to think about it for days afterward, and even ordered season one of the anime.  The plot: a young, orphaned teen aristocrat, in order to avenge the murder of her parents, sells her soul to a demon in order to enlist his help to get revenge, the demon taking the form of a butler who watches over and protects her until she fulfills her task and dies, so he can eat her soul.  Their investigation leads to a conspiracy that includes a terrorist plot to kill some of the world's top dignitaries, and the visuals and action sequences in the film were, to me, worth watching alone.  A quirky, unique film that's wormed its way into my brain and won't let go ... and I'm cool with that. (not rated)  A-

BLACK BUTLER trailer