HK: Forbidden Superhero (2013)

I'm quite surprised this movie wasn't already included in the database. Anyway, on to the review.

Upon first glance, this movie will seem like the most ridiculous thing you have ever seen. The trailer alone (Youtube it) may deter many from even watching it. With a title like Hentai Kamen (or to translate it in fancy way, The Masked Pervert), you know exactly what you're going to get. There are some things that are so absurd that you can't turn away. This is certainly one of them.

The cast is full of actors and actresses any prominent viewer of Japanese dramas will recognize. The main character is played by Suzuki Ryohei, who you may have seen in Hana Kimi and Mei-chan no Shitsuji, among many other dramas. The supporting cast is filled with many other familiar faces as well playing completely different than their usual drama fare. Despite the ridiculousness of the movie, I must say the actors did a great job portraying the roles. The villains in the movie are equivalent to those you see in campy superhero or horror movies; you can't take them seriously but they are convincing as the bad guys at the same time.

I must say that Suzuki Ryohei went above and beyond when portraying the role of Hentai Kamen. He certainly achieved a suitable physic for the role, which is easy on the eyes for the entire film. You will get a laugh or more from Hentai Kamen's erotic, ballet-inspired moves. At first, I was convinced that a stunt double or body double portrayed Hentai Kamen in masked form, but it is all portrayed by the same actor.

As far as the plot of the movie goes, it's typical fare. The superhero movie influence is heavy in this one as seen in the various Spiderman influenced scenes. One scene you will recognize straight from one of the Spiderman movies; Hentai Kamen's mask along with his techniques and movements have a prominent Spiderman influence as well. It follows the basic formula of boy loses parent(s), boy gets bullied in school, boy discovers girl he likes, boy must save girl and discovers new powers while doing so, boy becomes a crime fighting vigilante...you get the drift. While the plot is nothing original or amazing, the entertaining factor lies in how it is carried out. Despite the plot and premise, the movie takes itself very seriously. It could have easily went into the typical over-the-top humor category, but it remains at best a B grade superhero movie, which I think suited it perfectly.

However, the ending pretty much ruined what was otherwise an entertaining movie. The ending contains one of the most hated plot devices ever seen on screen. When you see it, you will know what I mean. It was completely unnecessary in my opinion, but I won't let it affect the score I am giving it too much.

You're obviously not going to be getting Oscar-worthy cinema here, but this movie is none the less entertaining for what's it's worth. I'd definitely recommend anyone who likes campy and absurd movies to give this one a watch.

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Shijikou Kyousuke is the love child of a M police officer and an S domina-gangster. But he is lucky, in his DNA are both of their parts, S and M, so one day, when his crush is kept a hostage, his hidden Hentai Kamen (=masked pervert) power awakes when he puts on a females panty on his head, thinking that it was the mask of the gangsters. And since then, he fights the evil guys with his Hentai Kamen power.

After reading the synopsis, I will suggest you one thing: Watch it with friends, who like strange movies. And if you'll watch it alone, then approach it not with the thought of "I want to watch a good movie" but more with the thought of "This is going to be so strange!".

I really have to say, I liked this movie. Even though it was strange and ridiculous, I loved how everything in the storyline still made sense. Of course the theme is a bit pervy, but thinking about how good Hentai Kamen's body looks, I am actually thankful for the pervyness of the movie. It is fun, nothing serious and still has a cute and fun story. It's like a good parody on all the superhero movies that people seem to love recently.

With that said, please only watch it if you are old enough. The Hentai Kamen fights with his crown jewels, so if you are too young to laugh about it, you might not be able to enjoy the movie.

For me, this is a masterpiece. Not for the epic storyline, but for the good balance of strangeness, story, acting and the good humor. Watch it at parties!

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