One of the best hentai animé films to come from Japan in recent years, ''Mezzo Forte'' (2001) is a terrifically entertaining action comedy directed by Yasuomi Umetsu (who also directed an equally impressive, but much somber ''Kite''). The good thing about this movie is that it doesn't take itself very seriously, and yet delivers the goods as far as exciting action scenes, sharp dialogues and explicit sex are concerned. The violence is completely over-the-top and incredibly bloody, but with a light and very ironic tone that makes it closer in spirit to Quentin Tarantino than to Martin Scorsese. The often self-deprecating humour is refreshing and original. And the quality of the animation really sets it apart from others of its kind. As one reviewer
wrote quite enthusiastically, "a little dangerous, a little naughty, and more than a little fun, Mezzo Forte is, well, freakin' awesome."
