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.
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Year: 2004
