Watch RoboGeisha

RoboGeisha is a Japanese action-comedy movie from 2009. The movie is a perfect combination of martial arts, sci-fi, and humor. The movie follows the story of two sisters, Yoshie and Kikue, who work in a small factory. Both sisters have a difficult time making ends meet and are constantly being scolded by their boss. One day, they are offered an opportunity to become geishas by Kageno Industries, a company that specializes in creating cyborg geishas to do their bidding.

Yoshie sees this as an opportunity to make more money and provide for her terminally ill father. However, Kikue sees it as nothing more than selling her dignity for money. They attend the training, where they learn to use their new abilities and weaponry while wearing their geisha outfits.

But, as the sisters progress in training, it becomes apparent that they are not just any ordinary geishas. The training techniques they go through lead them to transform into cyborgs with special abilities. Yoshie gains razor-sharp metal hair, and Kikue can turn her fingers into weapons. The sisters slowly realize that Kageno Industries does not have honorable intentions and that they are being manipulated. They soon become involved in a power struggle for control of Japan between Kageno Industries and a rebel group called the Steel Dragon.

The film has an abrupt change in tone as the cyborgs start revealing their evil side with a gore-fest. As each side looks to gain an advantage over the other, things degenerate into a bloody civil war. Yoshie and Kikue's new superpowers come in handy as they fight for the group they deem to be righteous.

The action scenes in RoboGeisha are both thrilling and humorous that will have you on the edge of your seat. The movie's slapstick humor nicely offsets the over-the-top gore, making it not too ridiculous as one would think.

The characters in RoboGeisha are well thought out with a backstory that makes the viewer sympathize and root for them. Yoshie and Kikue are not superheroes, but just women trying to make a living when they are offered a chance to change their lives radically. Their transformation into cyborgs fills them with doubts, but they soldier on when they see what is at stake. The film is not all action; it effectively explores the story of two sisters caught up in a power struggle.

The movie's visual style is impressive, perhaps one of the most significant selling points. The cinematography captures the cyberpunk aestheticism of dystopian Japan. Through the use of practical effects and makeup, the scenes are surprisingly intricate, making it hard to believe that they were all done practically. The geisha's character designs perfect giving them an illusion of being a machine-human hybrid.

The soundtrack comes in handy in accentuating the film's comical tone with a mix of various genres of music ranging from modern pop to traditional Japanese music. The sound effects and the dialogue are well synchronized to create an immersive experience that adds to the entertainment value.

Overall, RoboGeisha is an enticing mix of sci-fi, horror, and comedy that keeps the viewer glued to the screen. The action sequences are intense and pulled off expertly, and the special effects are impressive, harking back to classic Japanese kaiju movies. The plot is a refreshing breath of air as it surpasses the typical mindless action movies to explore characters that are both sympathetic and humorous. If you're a sci-fi or action movie enthusiast looking for an enjoyable ride, RoboGeisha is the movie for you.

RoboGeisha is a 2009 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.