Review

In many ways, Re:Cutie Honey takes the next step in Gainax's evolution post-Eva, from Eva to Kare Kano to FLCL. It's incredibly stylized (pastel backgrounds, sixties outfits and cars), the action sequences are hyperkinetic, and its over-the-top nature prevents the show's rare introspective moments from hitting you on any sort of emotional level.

The Three Episodes

Although Hideaki Anno is listed as the show's director, each 45-minute episode is so radically different in look and feel that each episode director must have had considerable autonomy.

 

		Episode 1 Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi The greatest work yet by Imaishi, the Gainax animator behind the really crazy sequences of Kare Kano and FLCL. Episode 1 is a hyper thrillride of brillirantly creative animation. Also, while there’s plenty of ecchi in Re: Cutie Honey, it’s ecchi done right: creative, funny, and never repetitive (for example of tired ecchi, see Mahoromatic Summer Special).
		Episode 2 Directed by Takamichi Ito Boring or retro, depending on who you ask. According to Kazuki Nakajima, a scenario writer of the series, Episode 2 "is a retro-flavored work in the style of old Toei Animation." Gainax intentionally modeled it after the fashion of big Toei Animation's action & shoujo shows in the golden age. Old-type screen-directing is used in several scenes deliberately. This episode is slower-paced, but some appreciate it for its character development. Highlights include chibi Scarlet Clow's rendition of the Cutey Honey theme.
		Episode 3 Directed by Masayuki A big Gainax spectacle of an ending. Episode 3 has quite an Evangelion feel, owing to its use of Anno-ish emergency displays and on-screen text, characters drawn with very long , thin limbs (another Masayuki trademark) and Anno-style psychology. It's determined to tell a serious story, with a more satisfying portrayal of Sister Jill than the live action film and an exploration of Honey and Natsuko's motivations. One of Masayuki's specialties is the animation of water, so watch for plenty of water in this episode,

Music

Re: Cutie Honey shares its theme song with its sister-work, the live-action film Cutie Honey. The theme is a rendition of the old Cutie Honey theme, now sung by the amazing Koda Kumi (who sang Real Emotion in Final Fantasy X-2). The ED theme, “Into Your Heart,” is also sung by Koda Kumi, and both songs can be found on Koda’s Love & Honey EP.

References: