Navigating Post-Apocalyptic Tokyo

Read Time:3 Minute, 50 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Lion-Girl
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Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 2h 1m
Director(s): Kurando Mitsutake
Writer(s): Kurando Mitsutake
Cast: Derek Mears, Tori Griffith, David Sakurai, Joey Iwanaga, Damian Toofeek Raven, Shelby Lee Parks, Matt Standley
Where To Watch: available November 7, 2023; pre-order here www.cleorecs.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Imagine tumbling into the colorful pages of a graphic novel, where fantasy and reality merge. That's the experience LION-GIRL delivers under the visionary hand of Go Nagai's imaginative prowess and Mitsutake Kurando's directorial finesse. Embarking on the LION-GIRL adventure without prior knowledge of Nagai's manga universe might feel like navigating a maze. However, the carefully woven narrative and the film’s vibrant palette transform what could be a complex web into an accessible and exhilarating cinematic escapade. Accessible, yes, but still absolutely bonkers.

Kurando stretches the boundaries of storytelling, pushing LION-GIRL up against the two-hour mark and marking a milestone in his directorial journey. The soul of LION-GIRL thrives in its unapologetic embrace of the offbeat. The audience is catapulted into a dystopian reality, ravaged by cosmic catastrophes and plagued by demonic entities. Amid this turmoil stands our protagonist, a solitary glimmer of hope battling to preserve the remnants of humanity. Kurando's conscious nod to campiness and exaggerated narrative elements unlocks a gateway to unbridled fun and heart-pumping thrills.

Tori Griffiths takes up the heroic mantle of Lion-Girl, emerging as humanity's last bastion in future post-apocalyptic Tokyo, a city desperately clinging to its last vestiges amidst global collapse.

The film wastes no time, diving into its action-packed adventures, initiating viewers with a tension-laced duel that sets the tone for the unfolding saga. This confrontation, imbued with dark fantasy, catapults us into a society reborn from the ashes of conflict and guided by the samurai's code. It’s here that Griffiths shines as a lone warrior, defying both the malevolent Anorocs and the tyrannical Shogunate.

Despite its humorous and peculiar storytelling style, the film ventures into the treacherous terrain of English manga adaptations—a domain with mixed results from the diehard fandom. Clear homages of cult classics can be seen throughout the film, inviting audiences to relish its sci-fi elements with a light-hearted spirit.

As we navigate this turbulent landscape, the Lion-Girl stands as a symbol of defiance, her abilities a formidable force against monstrous foes and the formidable antagonist Kaisei Kishi (Derek Mears.)

LION-GIRL occasionally stumbles, with extended scenes of exploratory dialogue that dampen its narrative momentum. Sometimes, the film relies so heavily on trying to explain the story we’re seeing on screen that it loses focus of what people are here to see. Despite its imperfections, LION-GIRL is a spirited homage to manga and monster cinema. It weaves together dramatized combat, practical effects, and a fun retro-feeling soundtrack, capturing the spirit.

LION-GIRL is a patchwork of comic book vibrancy, humor, and heart. Its amalgamation of satire, action, and sensuality might not resonate universally, but it provides an enchantingly eccentric experience for those receptive to its unique charm. This is one of those films that you just have to experience for yourself to appreciate genuinely.

Bonus Materials:
Directors Commentary (audio option), Interviews with Cast
A conversation with Japanese Manga Legend Go Nagai
Q&A with Key Cast Members at the Hollywood Theatrical Premier of Lion-Girl
The Making of Lion-Girl Documentary Feature Film

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[photo courtesy of CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT]

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