It was only two minutes into this movie when
I realised I was in love. Seriously. This is quite possibly the best
Japanese movie I have ever seen ever. But then again, I'm an idiot.
So camp it should have it's own parade, Cutie Honey is the story of a
gorgeous little android gal by the name of Honey Kisaragi, who after a car
accident was implanted with the Ai System (an invention of her scientist
father) which allows her to turn into Superhero Cutie Honey with a touch
of a button. After her fathers death, her uncle, who is continuing her
fathers work is kidnapped by mysterious super villain gang Panther Claw,
and Honey must rescue him.
After a quick dash through Tokyo in her underwear, Honey meets up with the
super evil Gold Claw, who is responsible for kidnapping her Uncle. After
an absolutely crazy battle, Gold Claw is defeated but manages to get away.
Hard nosed police woman Natsuko Aki tries to take Honey into custody, but
she manages to break free - taking mysterious reporter Seiji Hayami who
has just showed up at the scene with her. But oh no! Honey is late for
work again!
The very next day, Honey's uncle is kidnapped yet again, so she begins to
try and gather information on Panther Claw, even if it means posing as
Natsuko to try and get information out of the police. Fortunately for her,
Seiji seems to have all the answers. Panther Claw is led by the immortal
Sister Jill who awakens to feed on the life-force of young women in order
to keep herself alive. Sister Jill has four loyal minions to do her
bidding - Gold Claw, Black Claw, Cobalt Claw and Crimson Claw, each one
looking more ridiculous than the last. Sister Jill wants Honey's Ai system
so that she can live forever and control the universe.
Natsuko is desperate to question Cutie Honey but has no idea where to find
her. When she finally learns of Honey's true identity, she goes to her
workplace, where the pair are attacked by Cobalt Claw. Saving Natsuko for
the second time, Honey overloads her circuits with hate when she learns
that Cobalt Claw was the one who killed her father. When she passes out,
Natsuko takes her home to look after her.
Natsuko, Seiji & Honey begin to spend time together piecing together the
clues, but Natsuko is reluctant to let her guard down with her new friends
and often closes herself off. This upsets Honey, who is really just a
sweet girl who wants to help. After a night of drinking and Karaoke,
invitations to see Sister Jill at Jill Tower arrive. The trio decide to
go, but separately. Seiji manages to free the imprisoned women that Sister
Jill was saving for a snack, while Honey faces off with Scarlet Claw and
Black Claw before meeting with Sister Jill, only to discover she has taken
Natsuko prisoner. Honey decides that in order to save her friends, she
will exchange the Ai System, and her life.
This is the funnest, most adorable action adventure film I have ever seen,
and Honey is expertly portrayed by Eriko Sato. Based on a the manga of the
same name by Go Nagai, all the cuteness and campness of the original comic
translates beautifully on to the big screen. The performances (while over
the top for some) couldn't be more perfect and all the characters are
likable. If you like cute and crazy, you'll never find a movie that's a
more perfect fit.
|
|
Year: 2004
