‘Thought you had enough superhero movies? Think again.’
Lion-Girl is a 2023 Japanese sci-fi action film about the survivors of a meteor shower who are left to defend themselves against each other and monsters known as “Anoroc” who hunt and kill humans for their lifeforce. Also known as Karajishi Kamen: Lion-Girl.
Written and directed by Kurando Mitsutake (Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf, Gun Woman, Karate Kill and Maniac Driver). Produced by Mami Akari, Gaku Kawasaki and Masayuki Yamada.
The Toei Video production stars Derek Mears, Tori Griffith, Damian TooFeek Raven, David Sakurai, Shelby Lee Parks, Matt Standley and Joey Iwanaga.
Reviews:
“The initial setup does a good job of establishing who everyone is and what their motivations are. Besides doing a good job when it comes to backstory, the narrative also does a good job balancing exposition and action sequences. Also, when it comes to the action sequences, they tend to be very gory […] At just over two hours in length, there are many times when the narrative starts to drag, which kills any momentum.” 10K Bullets
“Frankly, between the look and approach of the film, from the exploitive appeal and special effects work, I don’t doubt that Lion-Girl […] will develop the exact fanbase it’s made for. This isn’t a bad thing and is exactly why a physical media release is exciting. Let it find its people.” Elements of Madness
“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.” ★★★ Overly Honest Movie Reviews
” …a weird mix of post-apocalyptic cinema and superhero movies full of ideas that are too far-fetched to be taken seriously, but brought across in a very tongue-in-cheek way. And that the whole thing’s fast-paced enough to keep things moving at all times, sports some cool cinematography, and is carried by a colourful cast of characters embodied by an able ensemble…” Search My Trash
” …there’s just so much packed into the film […] including several news broadcasts that could have come from RoboCop or Starship Troopers and a Buckaroo Banzai reference, that it’s hard to be too upset over any one thing being shorted. While it does have its problems, Lion-Girl is still an extremely fun and entertaining film for those that won’t be offended by all the blood and bare skin, male and female, on display.” ★★★★ Voices from the Balcony
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Release:
Lion-Girl premiered at the 2023 Fantastic Film Festival in April in Australia. In the US, Cleopatra Entertainment released the movie on demand (VOD) and Blu-ray on November 7, 2023. An online release in Japan is scheduled for November.
