RoboGeisha

RoboGeisha from 2009 is an eccentric and exhilarating Japanese sci-fi action movie that invites the audience into the world of futurism, advanced technology, and Japanese culture. Directed by Noboru Iguchi, the movie stars Aya Kiguchi, Hitomi Hasebe and Takumi Saitoh. The film is an exploration of the strange and the extraordinary, embodying the unique spirit of Japanese Game Wave films.

The movie centers on two sisters, Yoshie (Aya Kiguchi) and Kikue (Hitomi Hasebe). They live out their days as geishas – traditional Japanese entertainers trained in performing classical music, dance, and games – however, their simple lives transform dramatically when they are thrown into the seismic waves of sci-fi action that stretch the boundaries of realism.

RoboGeisha is not just an assortment of high-tech weaponry, mind-bending plot twists, and death-defying stunts, but is also a narrative about sisterhood. The sisters, despite their differences and rivalry, find themselves grappling with their new realities together. Their characters are well defined; Yoshie as the gentle and reserved sister, while Kikue, on the other hand, is presented as an arrogant elder sister who has a constant feeling of superiority over Yoshie.

Their lives take a distinctive turn when they are discovered by a wealthy businessman, Hikaru (Takumi Saitoh). He is not enthralled by their skills as geishas but by their latent potential as assassins. Their unexpected journey into a world of robotics and danger comes as a shocking change from their traditional performing artistry. Absurdity meets adventure when the sisters, now trained under the title of 'Geisha Assassins', get their bodies remodeled into deadly robotic combat machines with capabilities that would stand as pillars of modern science fiction.

As they wade through the chaos of their unexpected transformation, they encounter varied adversaries. The movie abounds with a range of over-the-top villains and impossible scenarios that add to its charm. The transformation is not just physical – as the sister's journey in this new world of treacherous battles and ethical dilemmas, they encounter shifts within their own selves, challenging their own perception and unsettling their understanding of sisterhood.

RoboGeisha's special effects and visuals, a standout feature of the movie, reflect the spirit of Japanese anime, especially in the portrayal of alternate realities and mechanized humans. The fight scenes, infused with exaggerated weaponry like katanas, flying guillotines, shurikens, and various parts of the RoboGeishas transforming into weapons, test the limits of both reality and the audience's imagination. The visuals not only compliment the bizarre plot, but also serve the action in the film well.

Furthermore, RoboGeisha is characterized by its unusual sense of humor that looks traditional, between dark humor, slapstick, and all-out absurdity that Rakugo, a traditional Japanese verbal entertainment form. This aligns well with the concept of 'ero guro nansensu', a specific movement in Japan which combines eroticism, grotesqueness, and the nonsensical.

Despite being thoroughly entertaining, RoboGeisha, at points, raises serious questions about humanity and the boundaries of technology, touching on the darker themes that often accompany sci-fi narratives. It also remains respectful towards the Japanese tradition of geishas, subtly reminding the audience of their artistic significance all the while putting them in a futurist context.

The film's eclectic mix of tradition and futurism, realism and farcical fiction, serious reflection and comedy, make RoboGeisha an unforgettable viewing experience. It's not just a film, but rather a twisted magic carpet ride that carries the audience through idiosyncratic landscapes of Japanese culture and futuristic fantasy. Its unorthodox narrative and character portrayals make it an engaging watch that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.

To conclude, RoboGeisha is an outrageous cinematic experiment that blends several genres into a unique package, a testament to the director's innovative vision. Ideal for lovers of unconventional narratives and Japanese culture, this movie surprises, amuses, and definitely leaves a lasting impression. Between its technological oddities, unexpected humor, and traditional nods, RoboGeisha offers a universe of its own that is worth exploring.