Reception
Critical reaction to Highlander: The Search for Vengeance has been generally favorable, and more favorable in general than the live-action Highlander sequels. Chris Wyatt of IGN awarded the film a score of 8 out of 10, saying: "Highlander: The Search for Vengeance is the best thing to happen to Highlander fans since the original film. [It's] violent, dramatic, sexy, and actually smart.... Combat sequences, including the obligatory sword fights, are nothing less than stellar."[5]
Rob Lineberger of DVD Verdict gave The Search for Vengeance a score of 96 out of 100, saying: "Not only does Highlander: The Search for Vengeance live up to the glory days of the franchise, it exceeds them in many ways.... Kawajiri's movie is crammed full of breathtaking compositions and sophisticated effects, [and] the character depictions are also impressive.... Great animation, superb music, and engaging voice acting complement the story. Not only is it a must-see for Highlander fans, but for fans of edgy anime with a mature bent."[6]
Todd Douglass of DVD Talk said: "The story stands up quite well and frankly it reinvigorates a franchise that has otherwise turned stagnant.... As a lover of Highlander and anime, The Search for Vengeance was more or less what I wanted it to be.... [The film] is worth a look if you're even slightly interested in it."[7] Jason Cook of The Spinning Image said that "The Search for Vengeance is a thoroughly enjoyable animated feature coupling classy visual flourishes with a lean plot.... Anime fans will want to seek this out due to its director's pedigree, but those unfamiliar with the genre are still advised to give this a go."[8]
Giving the film a "B" rating, Jim Harper of Flipside Movie Emporium said: "[Kawajiri's] association with the project is probably the best thing to happen to the Highlander franchise in a long, long time.... Highlander: The Search for Vengeance covers much the same territory as the 1986 original, but it does so unapologetically, and with a genuine passion, too.... Harper added that "in terms of pure entertainment, it's a hell of a lot more satisfying than any of the other sequels."[9]
