Dirty Pair: Bouryaku no 005-bin

Definitely my favorite Dirty Pair movie of the trilogy as its substantial story, serious tone and sorrowful conclusion really left a lasting impression in a way the previous films could only say about the animation quality. While Project Eden's impressive animation and nifty soundtrack remains superior to this movie, this clever and engaging plot kept my attention far more consistently and left me moved far more than I could have ever expected. Also, its such a pleasure to watch a feature film where the plot makes sense and the tension is constant and very authentic. Another plus in this movie's favor was both ... heroines shine nicely unlike in the previous films where they seemed uncharacteristically dim and flakey in nature so the seriousness of the story reasserted the wit into our Lovely Angels. The only negative is this film does borrow the script of a memorable two part episode from the original series but I do believe the story has a bit more weight in the detail and a darker edge to the tone which is an improvement. Also, there is no impressive intro and credit sequence like the previous films and the conclusion does leave the original, and true, Lovely Angels on a sad note- but in deep retrospective this series has always been a bit more somber than remembered as the splendid fan service and witty banter of Kei and Yuri can sometimes overshadow the dark tone of the series' stories.

I can't say I loved this particular installment in the franchise. While it had the action (and property damage) that I've come to expect, it was far too dark and serious to be worth re-watching. Also, the OVA spent far too much time getting Kei and Yuri into place to advance the plot along. Overall, though, the animation was decent (for 1990, anyway.), and the original voice actors came back for this one.


Taking everything into consideration, I'd rate this a 6/10. As I mentioned, too dark and serious to merit rewatching. As much as I like Dirty Pair, this was likely the low point for ... the franchise. At least, before Dirty Pair Flash. Makes me wonder what to expect from Affair of Nolandia...

Kei and Yuri, the intrepid Dirty Pai ... er, I mean, Lovely Angels are back on the job. They have two assignments this time. First, to investigate a space liner explosion in which three hundred people died, but no one`s come forward to claim any insurance money!!? Second, to find a missing scientist and his family. Are the two cases connected?

As the title hints, there IS a Conspiracy, so it comes as no big surprise when the 2 cases are linked. The story is predictable and the animation is old school. If they didn't cut corners on the animation so much I would have scored ... it higher. This movie did kick up the ecchi factor. It was like Kei and Yuri visited the plastic surgeon after the original TV series was done. I spent half the movie wondering how on earth Kei and Yuri's "bras" could in reality hold their boobs up, wires or no wires, it's just not possible to pack that much mass into clothing designed with a diamond cutout on the middle of the chest, without something(s) falling out (if you know what I mean).

But I digress, characterization and comedy are the biggest hallmarks of Dirty Pair, and this movie goes over the top on both. Chief Gooley goes into mega hysterics when the central computer assigns The Dirty Pair to these two cases. I thought it was WAY over the top considering that Chief Gooley has worked with them forever and so should be semi "used to it" by now. Comedic bits are evident in the reaction of various people when the Dirty Pair introduce themselves.

The real issue with this movie is besides the ham factor, the voice acting is atrocious. The Japanese version is slightly better than the english voice actors, but even then you can't keep a straight face at some of the things that are said. The english voice acting for Kei was terrible - I didn't believe anything that came out of her mouth. It made half the show seem like a very bad 1950s B grade horror schlock, no Oscars will be won for the voice acting here.

Overall, this was not a very good movie and it could and should have been done much better to do justice to the Dirty Pair.