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Released by: Pink Eiga
Released on: 6/15/2010
Director: Hiroyuki Kawasaki
Cast: Mashiro, Tomotake hSigematsu, Yoko Satomi, Takahiro Nomura, Miyuki Konno, Hiroyuki Kawasaki
Year: 2003
Purchase From TLA Video
The Movie:
Ninja Pussy Cat, a 'Kunichi' movie from director/actor/pink film renascence man Hiroyuki Kawasaki, was made in 2003 and is set in Japan's feudal era, that period in the country's history that has inspired countless books, comics and movies with its endless supply of corrupt shogun's, noble samurai and nefarious ninja warriors. When the film begins, a ninja named Kotara is murdered after uncovering the shogun's secret - it seems that his son is not actually a blood relative and therefore ineligible to take the throne after he leaves. Unfortunately for the shogun and his pals, Kotara has a daughter named Kaede who is just as deadly as he was in his prime, and far sexier!
Trained in the more erotic aspects of the mystic martial arts, Kotara sets out to avenge her father's death and set things right by whatever means possible.
A truly bizarre mix of political subterfuge, backstabbing politics, plot twists, action and sex, Ninja Pussy Cat's plot is pretty threadbare but it more than makes up for that by throwing in as much delirious sex and as many unruly situations as you can imagine. Historical accuracy isn't a major concern, nor is realism or, to be blunt, continuity or logic, but at an hour in length the film moves at a very quick pace and never overstays its welcome. There's a sense of humor to the whole thing that makes it fun to watch but it's actually played fairly straight, which somehow manages to make the film that much more effective.
According to Pink Eiga's information, the film was quite popular when it debuted in Japan a few years ago and went on to inspire the Lady Ninja Kasumi and Kaede series of films. While this isn't a film that will ever find a mainstream acceptance in America, it's easy to see why pink film audiences would be drawn to the picture, what with its chaotic fight scenes filled with sexual innuendo and nudity. Performance wise, there are spots where the cast go pretty close to completely over the top but they always seem to somehow stop just short of that. Of course, this being a pink film and all, the sex is front and center in the movie. It's as graphic as you'd expect given the genre's trappings but, on the flip side of that coin, it never crosses over into hardcore thanks to clever blocking and somewhat strict regulations in the film's homeland.
Directed with style, flair and rock solid pacing, Kawasaki's picture is a fun one. There are more mature examples of what the genre can provide as well as more artistically interesting ones, but as far as entertainment value is concerned, Ninja Pussy Cat definitely puts out.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Unfortunately, the 1.85.1 widescreen transfer is non-anamorphic and interlaced. It's a newer picture so there isn't any dirt or debris to complain about and the colors, including the black levels, are fairly strong but the standard letterboxed presentation feels a bit dated. That said, it's all perfectly watchable. The image is clean, though skin tones look a little bit greenish in spots. There are some mild compression artifacts present but only mild edge enhancement problems to complain about. Detail isn't particularly strong. Had this been anamorphic it'd have definitely scored higher but this isn't a horrible transfer once you get past that part, though it should be noted that it is interlaced.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound track on the disc is in Japanese with burned in English subtitles. There is a fair bit of mild channel separation to note that makes certain scenes a little more involved and interesting, while the dialogue remains clear enough. Not being able to remove the subtitles is always obnoxious but at least there aren't any obvious typos and they're plenty easy to read.
The most substantial extra on the disc is an Interview With Director Hiroyuki Kawasaki (15:50) in which the man who helmed (and appeared) in the film talks about his intentions with this project and what it was like to work with the various participants who he got involved in the movie. He also sheds some light on what attracts him to sexy female ninja movies, which seem to be his specialty. Another interview puts Yoko Satami (12:54) in front of the camera where she talks about her role in this picture and a few other films that she's worked on, how she got into making pink films, what keeps her coming back to them, and some of the people she's felt the closest within the industry. Both Kawasaki and Satami appear in an optional introduction to the film (4:35) where they appear quite friendly, jovial and enthusiastic about the film.
Rounding out the extras is a still gallery, some original artwork for the film, cast and crew biographies and filmographies, trailers for the feature, trailers for a few other Pink Eiga DVD releases, animated menus and chapter stops.
The Final Word:
A deliriously enjoyable mix of softcore sex and samurai action combines humor, highjinks and heat for a pretty fantastic viewing experience. Maybe not the best title to start with for newbies, Ninja Pussy Cat is never the less a blast to watch and Pink Eiga's DVD is a welcome addition to their catalogue.