OneChanbara: The Movie - Vortex Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Scantily clad women fight to save the world from zombies and to stop some kind of witch.

Review: As with the first entry, there exists a multitude of alternate titles for this film that may confuse the viewer when factoring in the video games as well--so be aware of this fact. Honestly, there's not a lot different with this sequel, and I should stress that the term "sequel" isn't even a fitting description. This movie is more of an alternate universe with the same characters, setting, and situations; that means Saki and Reiko are back alive among other things. Unfortunately, this also means that the creators did not take any steps to improve upon the first film's numerous flaws. The biggest complaint I've read other discuss about these two movies, and I agree, is that they are not that entertaining. I already discussed with the last entry how they should have had more fun with the material, made things more lighthearted, and properly applied the exploitative, over the top, splatterfest-vibe from films like "The Machine Girl." Instead, the story is somehow more boring than the last one, the action isn't as good, and even those drama elements that felt out of place the first time are removed yet replaced with nothing. In essence, if you saw the first movie, you watched this one as well.

Let me say this up front since it annoys me more than anything: all of the original cast has been replaced. Nooo! Manami Hashimoto--come back to me! I mean, the new girls are really good looking too, but, eh, I guess it's up to your own preference, but I thought the original girls were all better except this Aya is sexier. The story is still about Aya fighting in the same bikini trying to destroy all the zombies that have overrun the planet. This time Saki is good and the sisters fight together, as opposed to the first film, but this is more in tune with the video games; likewise, Saki is wearing the more iconic blue and white schoolgirl outfit. Reiko is now known to Aya from the onset and she appears to be taking care of orphaned kids, but they don't stress anything about losing her own kid like the first movie; this Reiko looks a lot different although they both share the same...ahem...top shelf in common. That annoying comedy relief guy is replaced by a wannabe fighter who serves as Aya's makeshift love interest; can't we simply have a world of nothing but scantily clad women fighting? This dude also possesses the ability to nullify the "Imichi blood," but this plot point never serves a purpose or becomes relevant except to give a reason for Aya to be drawn to the guy.

That whole "Imichi blood" plotline is still important as it's once again needed to complete the villain's plan, but they still apply this plot element idiotically. For some reason the villain, sometimes called "Mizari" while other times called Himiko and trying to look like the emperor, will gain immortality from drinking the blood, yet needs it from two sources--you'd think that means Aya and Saki. Apparently, she wants Saki and some random little girl they come across which doesn't make the most sense. Speaking of which, the villain is like a witch or something...I really don't know since they don't explain it and there appears to be no basis as to what she is until now. The only thing mentioned is the villain herself talking about a queen of the zombies, but she's obviously too smart to be any zombie and then she can shapeshift too? Uh...your guess is as good as mine on this one. The way the witch convinces Saki to help her is some bullshit about claiming she can resurrect their parents; this part feels extra stupid and contrived. As you may have easily guessed, the witch gets what she wants but is eventually killed by Aya. And then, literally, the moment the villain's body hits the floor, the movie abruptly ends--just like that with no resolution or anything. What the fuck?

To sum things up, everything I said that was wrong with the first film still applies here except somehow even more boring, less action, and such a terrible ending; at least the first one had an acceptable, if not decent, ending. Nothing new has been added except tiny differences, the villain's scheme, and now Saki is good. But let's face it, if you're even mildly interested in these movies you're only watching this for the ladies or else something may be seriously wrong with your cognitive abilities. So since it all comes down to the beautiful actresses involved, although some decent action would help, you should probably pick the version you feel has the better group. To this film's credit, it does try to show off Aya's buxom and firm body more, but I still prefer my dear Ms. Hashimoto as Reiko from the first film.

Notable Moment: Since you will probably be completely confused as to whether the movie is over or not, there's actually a little montage during the credits that showcases Aya in close-ups of her bikini-body. If only this degree of exploitation were more present in the film...

Final Rating: 4/10