I've always loved the original series, Mai-Hime, and its really obvious that Mai Tokiha is my top favourite character! I was glad she returned in the spinoff / sequel Mai-Otome though she did not make much on an appearance. If ever they come around making a new sequel to Mai-Hime, I would like Mai to return!
Dario Argento is awesome! I watch alot of his movies and liked them all!
I cannot decide which of his movies is my favourites since I like most of them, but I would say my top favourites would be Deep Red, Suspiria and Phenomena. And what would an Argento movie be without awesome soundtracks. Claudio Simonetti's works are comparable to that of Yuki Kajiura.