Mutant Girls Squad

Mutant Girls Squad is an eccentric, vibrant, and ultimately brutal 2010 Japanese movie with a remarkable blend of action, horror, and certain elements of comedy. The film, directed by three famous directors: Noboru Iguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura, and Tak Sakaguchi, graces a whole new level of exuberant absurdity, matching the gore and hyperbole of the most outrageous of Japanese B-Movies.

The blood-soaked adventure movie stars Asami, an up-and-coming Japanese actress, along with Tak Sakaguchi and Naoto Takenaka, representing a perfect ensemble of various characters, each with unique and quirky traits that make the film all the more enthralling.

The story revolves around Rin, a bullied high school girl, portrayed wonderfully by Yumi Sugimoto. One day, Rin discovers that she is no ordinary girl, but a mutant, after her arm unexpectedly transforms into a sharp, beast-like claw when provoked. This shocking self-revelation coincides with her sixteenth birthday, leading her ordinary world into a surreal one, plagued with danger at every turn.

The plot thickens when Rin is tracked by a ruthless, incredibly strong, cyborg-like cop - Kisaragi (Tak Sakaguchi). Rin eventually escapes and finds a group of similar mutant girls, led by the transvestite samurai Rei (Yoko Maki). Rei takes Rin under her wing and trains her along with the rest of the Mutant Girls Squad to fight against the oppressive humans.

Utilizing the themes of self-discovery and resilience, the plot unfolds as Rin battles between her loyalty to humans or her fellow mutants. The movie showcases the depth of her character, evolving from an innocent bullied schoolgirl to a tough mutant warrior embarking on a quest of rebellion.

The other mutant girls in the squad are equally remarkable and are gifted with astonishingly unique, and somewhat bizarre, powers that add a real zing to the movie. Their eccentricities, combined with their unique abilities and weaponry, bring an unusual twist to this film, infusing it with an excessiveness that is both peculiar and engaging.

One of the movie’s major highlights is its over-the-top special effects. The practical gore effects and outrageous battle sequences deliver a visual feast that is extraordinarily shocking and somehow hilarious. No doubt, there's plenty of blood and gore, but it's portrayed in such an over-the-top way that it becomes absurdly amusing and entertaining.

Each director's touch can be distinctly felt in the film. Noboru Iguchi's unique creative style reflects in the imaginative backstories of the characters, Yoshihiro Nishimura's love for the macabre is evident in the grotesque yet strangely fascinating mutations, while Tak Sakaguchi lends his expertise in incredible action sequences and combat choreography.

In addition to its visual elements, the film also excels in terms of score. The music used in the movie amplifies the action and suspense at every turn, excellently complementing the tone and progression of the storyline.

It is important to point out that Mutant Girls Squad isn’t for everyone. The gleefully over-the-top violence, wacky humor, and outlandish characters might be off-putting for some viewers. However, for those who appreciate the peculiar pillar of the Japanese film industry, this movie is a must-see. It effectively serves as a precursor to the cultural waves of Japanese eccentricity, hitting the shores of mainstream audiences, marking its place in the heart of contemporary cult cinema.

This film isn't just another action-horror movie; it is a surreal journey through a world where the ordinary is unusual, and the unusual is mundane. It boldly portrays the essence of Japanese pulp cinema and will indeed be a memorable cinematic experience for those who don't mind a hearty helping of blood and guts with their popcorn.

Overall, Mutant Girls Squad is a wild and outrageous ride that fearlessly combines gory visuals, edgy humor, and offbeat storytelling. It is a visual spectacle that truthfully captures the essence of Japanese quirky cinema, seizing a unique space amongst the cult classics. Viewers well versed in the sensibilities of the cinematic extreme will find this film a delightful roller coaster ride of absurdity and fun.