Kite

1998-Animated/Japan

I first viewed this film back in 1999 and was blown away. It captured the mood and feel of " Leon: The Professional" and yet took advantage of the Animated medium. I had to buy the VHS and for a long time apart of my quintessential of anime.
A few months ago, a co-worker of mine asked for any recommendation and this film immediately popped into mind. The problem was that the co-worker viewed the 'Directors Cut' version which included around 10min. worth of animated porno ruining the film. Be sure to view the 'regular' theatrical release version! you have been warned.

Synopsis:
Sawa is a school girl, an orphan, and a hitman. She's under the control of Akai and Kanie, who give her targets to kill, detailing to her the crimes these men have committed. Some of Akai and Kanie's power over Sawa has to do with her deceased parents and a pair of earrings that are her prized possessions. Akai and Kanie bring Sawa in to assist another orphan, Oburi, with a multiple hit. Oburi and Sawa become friends, and this friendship may give Sawa the strength to break from her controllers, whose crimes against her are as abusive as the crimes ascribed to the men they have her kill.

All-in-All:
The almost 10years have passed and this film is still amazing. The plot, and animation still remains intact. Again, to view this film in its 'Directors Cut' forum was distracting to the plot and would confuse the viewers, going to the point of loosing its amazing gritty tale of the destruction of the innocent age.

Riko's Rating: B+