One of the things I love most about Japanese culture is the blurry line between their different forms of entertainment. For instance, we separate our animated movies and live-action films, labeling one very clearly as "family" entertainment, and the other not. With the exception of the occasional Pixar film, we don't hold animated features in as high a regard. The Japanese put as much time, effort, and budget behind their animated films, and they are treated with the highest esteem. Another fuzzy line exists between what they consider "adult entertainment" and the mainstream. It's not crazy to find Japanese porn idols making a rather easy transition into more typical forms of entertainment. Nor is it out of the norm to see established actors venture into porn, without it effecting their credibility. Could you imagine if Russell Crowe starred in The Avengers XXX(it does exist!) or something? Yeah, he'd be finished in Hollywood.
With all that said, it's been interesting to follow the development of Kekko Kamen Reborn, the 11th(!!!) film adaptation of Go Nagai's manga. The story is something that you'd never find here in America, following a student named Mayumi Takahashi who attends a high school run by sexual predators. Mayumi and the other female students are constantly harassed by the teachers, who derive sexual satisfaction from their humiliation. Their only defense comes in the form of a nude, female superhero named Kekko Kamen, who defeats her foes with a finishing move known as the Pubic Hair Jump. Not kidding. You'll see it in effect in the new trailer. Aino Kishi, one of Japan's most popular adult film stars, plays the titular heroine.
Could you imagine where a film like this would end up if it ever(which it won't) made it here to America? Here where Kick-Ass is considered a boundary pushing flick? I imagine anybody who goes out and orders an import of Kekko Kamen Reborn will end up on some sort of special list monitored by FBI agents. The film opens in Tokyo on June 2nd. Check out the crazy new trailer below and just ignore the Japanese audio. Oh, and I really shouldn't have to say this but don't watch it at work!
