Touches You

The first must-see film of the year.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

This was originally a late night Japanese TV series, condensed here to a 90 minute movie. It stars the six members of the girl pop group "Denpa Gumi, Inc.". This group started in Akihabara, and the film is partly a vehicle to present them in Maid-like uniforms, swimsuits and frilly negligees. There is no sex or nudity, though.The title means "White Witch School". Elfen Blonde Mogami Moga is troubled because her younger sister apparently committed suicide after school bullying. She suddenly receives an email invitation to enter the White Witch School. At the school, she meets six classmates (the entire student body) and three young, enigmatic teachers (the entire faculty). They are sworn into the school. We see a demonstration of the three young teachers fighting as "White Witches" against some school bully girls. Big white CGI wings emerge from their backs, and they throw CGI light balls at the enemies, as well as punch and kick, It's a nice scene, rather like Ultraman, etc.The students are put on harsh physical training. We learn that each of the students has some past pain and emotional scar. This is apparently a pre-requisite for a White Witch. After a little while, all the girls manifest a single "White Witch" power through cheap CGI.At this point, the film turns much darker. The teachers announce that only one girl can finally become a White Witch. They all must fight each other to the death with their new powers until one is victor. Although all are friends by now, the teachers egg them on. For the rest of the film, this fight is what they do.As a late-night show, this was not meant for kids. The tone is often horrific or erotic. Despite the "Magic School" setting, it is the battle to the death and emotional trauma of the students, rather than the magical training that is the primary focus. Don't expect a Harry Potter-type movie. It is frequently gory and downbeat.If you are a fan of Denpa Gumi or the "fight to the death" genre (e.g. Battle Royale), than you'll probably enjoy it. If you want a light-hearted film for kids, than stay away.The CGI effects and camera work are TV-quality, but acceptable. The acting is a bit over the top in a few places but also tolerable. Protagonist Mogami is always cute, even when she looks depressed or stressed, which is often here.