Faster Pussycat Goes to Japan

This is what happens when Russ Meyer goes to Japan.

Where do we begin with a film such as Operation: Pussycat (which has also been titled Pussycat Great Mission! & Pusshîkyatto daisakusen), when there really is only one thing to say.  This is the Japanese version of Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! You have three hot babes that just happen to run into an old man in a wheelchair and his slightly dumb helper, who we realize is their target all along because he has tons of money.  The babes bicker and kill, but there is a slight twist that puts a Japanese stamp on this film.  Only the lead actress (Nao Eguchi) makes it to the end, she kills everyone!

The director, Ryûichi Honda, is obviously making an homage to Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and makes no contention that he is not.  At only 45 minutes, this one quick B-movie ride that never is disappointing only because not a whole lot is expected.  The acting is bad most of the time and over-the-top the rest of the time.  So why should anyone even care about this film?

The end provides a unique twist to this type of film and moves it beyond Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!.  We find out that the lead actress is a hired killer and that the reason for her murderous rampage was because her employer wanted the money at all costs.  It may be a minor thing, but it gives this film a bit more than just hot chicks and violence.  In fact, it reminded me of Branded to Kill with its 60′s vibe.  Operation: Pussycat is a quick style exercise that really is only worth watching because it’s short and fun.  Beyond that, there is eye candy and violence like Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! Just not as good, but then again if Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! was only 45 minutes, we may have a hit on our hands.