A Triple Bill of Comedy, Fantasy, and Surrealism Awaits

Read Time:4 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hot Wet Summer: Angels and Devils
Milk the Maid –
My Hero, Chihiro (Itazura tenshi: Midare Sugata shichihenge) –
Whore Angels (Pin-Saro byôin 3: Nô-pan Shinsatsushitsu and Pink Salon Hospital 3: No-Pants Exam Room) –

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Adult
Year Released: 2013 / 2016 / 2000
Runtime: 1h / 1h 10m / 1h 3m
Director(s): Mototsugu Watanabe
Writer(s): Kôji Yamazaki / Takao Nakano
Cast: Tia, Mirei Yokoyama, Ayum, Kikujirō Honda, Yasunari Kubota, Atsushi Tsuda / Rin Sakuragi, Karin Itsuki, Shinobu Igarashi / Shiori Kuroda, Nao Saitô, Syoko Kudo, Rira Mizuno, Mariko Naka, Shin Yamazaki, Jimmy Tsuchida, Syuetsu Tookaichi
Where To Watch: available to stream here: www.redemptiontv.net or on DVD www.salvation-films.com

RAVING REVIEW: HOT WET SUMMER: ANGELS AND DEVILS differs from your typical movie binge. With a fusion of quirky humor, bold fantasy elements, and a touch of surreal eroticism, this triple bill, directed by Mototsugu Watanabe, offers an unconventional journey through Pink Cinema. Each of the three films—MILK THE MAID, MY HERO, CHIHIRO, and WHORE ANGELS—stands alone as a complete story but also interlocks to form a narrative arc that challenges the viewer’s expectations of genre and form. The evolution of filmmaking over almost two decades is at the forefront here.

Diving into MILK THE MAID, the audience is introduced to Milk (Tia,) a whimsical yet mysterious character who claims to be a "baby angel" trying to earn her wings. Her entrance into a Tokyo family's life brings chaos and charm, turning everyday family dynamics on their head. As Milk attempts to mend the family’s emotional rifts with her unconventional methods, the film balances its erotic content with genuine, heartfelt moments, presenting a lighthearted yet seductive comedy that resonates with unexpected warmth.

Tia's performance as Milk is particularly captivating. She brings a delightful blend of naivety and mischief to the screen, ensuring that the more explicit scenes do not overshadow the narrative’s emotional depth. Director Watanabe’s storytelling in MILK THE MAID shows his flair for combining more whimsical plotlines with poignant undertones, making the film’s twist both surprising and thought-provoking.

Transitioning to the fantastical MY HERO, CHIHIRO, the narrative sharply turns towards satire with a tale of a disillusioned housewife named Chihiro (Rin Sakuragi.) After wishing the world away, she is suddenly tasked by a deity to become Japan’s top idol to save the country from vanishing. The ensuing storyline weaves over-the-top humor with erotic elements, creating an engaging mix that critiques the often unrealistic expectations placed on women in entertainment.

The exaggerated acting typical of Pink Cinema adds a layer of satirical humor to MY HERO, CHIHIRO, enhancing the absurdity of Chihiro’s quest. Her transformation from a frustrated housewife into a national idol is amusing and laden with social commentary, making the film a multifaceted exploration of celebrity culture in modern society.

Completing the trio, WHORE ANGELS takes viewers into a more surreal realm where fantasy and horror blend with eroticism. The plot centers around Komasa (Shiori Kuroda,) an employee at the Hot Lips whorehouse, who becomes entwined in a supernatural battle after saving Monroe (Nao Saitô,) a woman with miraculous healing powers derived from her sexual acts. This segment of the triple feature delves deep into a fantastical narrative that challenges morality and logic, presenting a story as provocative as it is bizarre.

The film’s low-budget aesthetic contributes to its charm, giving WHORE ANGELS a gritty, almost indie feel that complements its audacious content. Despite its fantastical elements, the narrative maintains a hold on its audience, navigating from risqué humor to intense, dark themes of good versus evil.

Collectively, HOT WET SUMMER: ANGELS AND DEVILS showcases Watanabe’s diverse directorial skills, blending different storytelling techniques to create a cohesive cinematic experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries. From the comedic to the fantastical, each film offers a unique perspective on human desires and societal norms, making the entire collection a standout in the realm of Pink Cinema.

Ultimately, this triple feature is a must-watch for anyone looking to venture beyond mainstream cinema into a world where fantasy collides with reality in the most unexpected ways. Watanabe’s vision is a bold testament to the power of creative storytelling, proving that cinema can entertain and challenge.

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[photo courtesy of REDEMPTION TV]

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