Trashy fun and a pretty decent sci-fi back story.

The idea of busty waitresses kick-boxing the snot out of each other for prize money, with the added hook that the loser has to strip for the audience sounds like grind-house trash, but surprisingly, this three episode OAV series from 2001 is actually pretty good for such an obvious high concept exercise in fan service. The animation quality is top- notch, as is the fight choreography and action animation, and the dark science fiction back story is quite sharply thought out. This twist in the plot is what makes the otherwise silly proceedings bearable, since the opening is pretty predictable. But once the action gets going it is quickly revealed that the late founder of the fight tourney has financed a comeback to the ring thanks to some mad science research going on in a secret wing of her company. And it's up to our plucky fighting femmes to stop things from getting out of hand! The mix of horror-SF in a fighting tourney series is a surprise and a welcome one. There are a few gazillion high school / martial arts / tourney format series out there and usually the fun lasts until about into halfway the first episode, by which time it becomes obvious that every succeeding show will be more of the same until the final showdown, ho-hum. This one actually keeps the interest thanks the unexpected plot directions. Worth a look.

Japanese cinema is celebrated for its refined minimalist dramas and avant-garde experimentation; it also introduced popular genres like jidaigeki (samurai epics), kaiju, and anime. Across both high art and mass entertainment, it often explores morality, impermanence, and the pressures of modern life.

Hidetoshi Nishijima and Tôko Miura in Drive My Car (2021)

Anime is a style of Japanese animation that has gained significant popularity outside of Japan. It is often characterized by its use of flat design and limited animation, with characters characterized by large expressive eyes, exaggerated facial expressions, and defined lines. These stories are produced for audiences of all ages, with specific subgenres catering to different age groups.

Steve Blum and Koichi Yamadera in Cowboy Bebop (1998)

The martial arts subgenre features martial arts techniques, choreography, and combat as central elements of the story. These stories often revolve around skilled martial artists who use their expertise to navigate challenges, seek revenge, protect others, or engage in epic battles.

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

A martial arts tournament is hosted to determine the world's strongest waitress.

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Eric Vale, Houko Kuwashima, Laura Bailey, and Kenji Nojima in Blue Gender (1999)

Toshiko Fujita, Michael McConnohie, Gorô Naya, Tetsurô Sagawa, and Gregory Snegoff in Golgo 13: The Professional (1983)

Kotono Mitsuishi and Edi Patterson in Variable Geo (1996)

Variable Geo

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