**Resident Evil: Vendetta**
**Definition**
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* is a 2017 Japanese computer-animated action horror film based on the popular *Resident Evil* video game franchise. It serves as a canonical installment within the series, featuring key characters from the games in an original storyline centered around bioterrorism and viral outbreaks.
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# Resident Evil: Vendetta
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* is a 2017 Japanese CG-animated action horror film produced by Marza Animation Planet and Capcom. It is part of the *Resident Evil* franchise, which originated as a survival horror video game series developed by Capcom. The film is notable for being the third CG film in the series, following *Resident Evil: Degeneration* (2008) and *Resident Evil: Damnation* (2012). It features returning characters from the games, including Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers, and explores a new bioterrorism threat involving a deadly virus.
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## Background and Development
The *Resident Evil* franchise began in 1996 as a video game series and quickly expanded into various media, including live-action films, animated movies, novels, and comics. The CG animated films are distinct from the live-action adaptations, often regarded as more faithful to the source material and featuring canonical characters and storylines.
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* was announced in 2016 and released in Japan in May 2017. The film was directed by Takanori Tsujimoto and written by Makoto Fukami, with Capcom overseeing the project to ensure consistency with the game universe. The animation was produced by Marza Animation Planet, a studio known for high-quality CGI work.
The film was created to appeal to fans of the video games by incorporating familiar characters, settings, and themes, while also delivering a standalone story accessible to newcomers. It was released internationally through various platforms, including theatrical screenings, home video, and digital distribution.
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## Plot Summary
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* is set after the events of *Resident Evil 6* and follows three protagonists: Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent; Chris Redfield, a member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA); and Rebecca Chambers, a former S.T.A.R.S. medic and scientist.
The story begins with a bioterrorist attack in New York City, where a deadly virus known as the „A-virus” is unleashed, causing horrific mutations and widespread chaos. The virus is engineered by Glenn Arias, a vengeful arms dealer who seeks to exact revenge on the United States government for the death of his family.
Leon is tasked with rescuing a hostage from Arias’s compound, while Chris and Rebecca investigate the origins of the virus and attempt to stop Arias’s plan to spread the virus globally. The film features intense action sequences, including gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and encounters with monstrous creatures created by the virus.
As the protagonists confront Arias and his bio-organic weapons, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving the use of the virus as a weapon of mass destruction. The film culminates in a high-stakes battle to prevent a catastrophic outbreak and save countless lives.
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## Characters
### Leon S. Kennedy
Leon is a former police officer turned government agent specializing in bioterrorism cases. Known for his calm demeanor and combat skills, he has been a central character in the *Resident Evil* series since *Resident Evil 2*. In *Vendetta*, Leon leads the rescue mission and plays a key role in confronting the antagonist.
### Chris Redfield
Chris is a veteran BSAA operative and one of the original protagonists of the *Resident Evil* series. He is characterized by his physical strength, tactical expertise, and unwavering dedication to stopping bioterrorism. In the film, Chris works alongside Rebecca to investigate the virus and combat Arias’s forces.
### Rebecca Chambers
Rebecca is a former member of the Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) and a skilled scientist. She provides medical and scientific support to the team, using her knowledge to develop countermeasures against the virus. Her character adds a scientific perspective to the narrative.
### Glenn Arias
The primary antagonist, Arias is a ruthless arms dealer who uses the A-virus to exact revenge. His motivations are driven by personal loss and a desire to destabilize governments through bioterrorism. Arias is depicted as a cold and calculating villain with access to advanced bio-organic weapons.
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## Themes
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* explores several themes common to the franchise, including the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation, the ethical implications of bioweapons, and the resilience of humanity in the face of biological threats. The film also touches on themes of revenge, loss, and the moral complexities of combating terrorism.
The narrative emphasizes the consequences of using viruses as weapons and the global impact of bioterrorism. It also highlights the cooperation between different agencies and individuals to prevent disaster, reflecting the franchise’s focus on teamwork and survival.
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## Animation and Visual Style
The film employs high-quality computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create realistic character models, detailed environments, and dynamic action sequences. The animation style aims to balance realism with the exaggerated elements typical of the *Resident Evil* universe, such as monstrous creatures and intense combat.
Character designs closely resemble their video game counterparts, maintaining continuity for fans. The film’s visual effects include detailed depictions of viral mutations, bio-organic weapons, and explosive action scenes, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.
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## Reception
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* received mixed to positive reviews from critics and fans. Praise was often directed at the film’s animation quality, action sequences, and faithful representation of the game characters. The voice acting, particularly in the English dub, was also well-received.
Criticism was generally aimed at the film’s plot, which some reviewers found predictable or lacking in depth compared to other entries in the franchise. However, the film was appreciated for its entertainment value and appeal to fans of the series.
Commercially, the film performed well in home video sales and digital distribution, solidifying its place as a successful addition to the *Resident Evil* animated series.
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## Legacy and Impact
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* reinforced the viability of CG animated films within the *Resident Evil* franchise, demonstrating that such productions could attract both fans and new audiences. It helped maintain interest in the series between major game releases and contributed to the ongoing expansion of the *Resident Evil* universe.
The film’s success encouraged Capcom to continue producing animated content, including subsequent projects that explore different aspects of the franchise’s lore. It also influenced the portrayal of characters and storylines in later games and media adaptations.
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## Home Media and Availability
Following its theatrical release in Japan, *Resident Evil: Vendetta* was made available internationally through Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms. The film includes both Japanese and English audio tracks, catering to a global audience.
Special editions often feature bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and art galleries. The film remains accessible through various streaming services and physical media retailers.
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## Conclusion
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* stands as a significant entry in the *Resident Evil* franchise’s animated film series. By combining familiar characters, a new bioterrorism threat, and high-quality CGI animation, it offers an engaging experience for fans of the games and the broader horror-action genre. While not without its narrative flaws, the film’s action, visuals, and faithful adaptation of the source material have earned it a lasting place in the *Resident Evil* multimedia universe.
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**Meta Description:**
*Resident Evil: Vendetta* is a 2017 CG-animated action horror film from the *Resident Evil* franchise, featuring iconic characters battling a deadly bioterrorism threat. The film combines high-quality animation with a new storyline set in the series’ universe.