Re: Cutie Honey (2004)

[Re:キューティーハニー]

Director: Hideaki Anno
Studio: Gainax, Toei Animation
Starring: Yui Horie, Junko Noda, Hideo Ishikawa
Episodes: 3

Synopsis:
A Tokyo detective clashes with a transforming warrior android in the fight against the violent armed group Panther Claw.

Impressions:
For some reason the character of Cutey/Cutie Honey's managed to worm her way into my head even though I'd never really checked out any of the entries in the franchise until recently. I tried watching this series a few years ago, but the first ep came on a little too strong. However, I decided I wanted to see it through, so I gave it another whirl. I mean, I guess I'm the silly one for wanting to complain that they play the fanservice too hard in a Cutie Honey series, but the gratuity can get to be a little much for me. However, the core story and character dynamics hooked me and those can forgive many sins. I like Natchan being reimagined as a tough detective and Sister Jill being portrayed as a fairly tragic villain. While Hideaki Anno is the overall director of the series, each individual episode has a different director and with it a distinct feel in terms of tone and general aesthetic. For instance, the first episode is rather deranged with a lot of the touch Hiroyuki Imai of Kill La Kill fame brought to Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. There are some rather good action set pieces, particularly in the final episode. If you don't mind the scads of fanservice (or, rather, if that happens to be a draw for you), it's worth checking out, but depending on your sensitivity, you may want to tread with caution.

Rating:
Watch It