Kate

Japan is a land of contrasts, a place where ancient traditions coexist with the bustling energy of modern life. On one hand, there's the Japan of old, with its samurais, the Bushido code, and a shadowy underworld of the mafia. On the other, there's the vibrant, neon-lit Japan of today, brimming with anime and absorbing Western influences like a sponge. It's a cultural collision that can leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling like they've stumbled upon a sushi roll with a bit of everything thrown in. In this film, it feels like the director and screenwriter were among those foreigners, trying to cram every Japanese trope they'd ever heard of into one movie – and it didn't quite hit the mark. With borrowed elements from various action flicks such as Nikita, it struggled to find its own identity, leaving me skeptical from the get-go. Despite its shortcomings, I found myself oddly drawn to the film's often creative approach to violence. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend turning off your logic switch and embracing the chaos. / Lesson learned: Avoid touching anyone or anything affected by radiation! 3*- (05/04/2024)

I must admit from the start: I was expecting much worse. Kate turned out to be a quite enjoyable, adrenaline-packed Netflix movie with an interesting setting (the neon-lit streets of Tokyo) and cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivered a solid performance; I believed in her as the female assassin throughout, so in this regard, it gets a big thumbs up from me. On the other hand, I can’t understand casting Woody Harrelson in such a minor role where he can’t fully showcase his talent—this feels like a criminal waste. The action is bloody (severed fingers, decapitated heads, etc.), and it also doesn’t skimp on interesting ideas, with fight scenes that are decently choreographed. Sure, the screenplay isn’t groundbreaking, but compared to similar recent genre entries (Old Guard, Jolt), this one had quite a bit of punch! So I can comfortably stand by my 6.5/10 rating :D P.S. But Charlize Theron with her Atomic Blonde is on a whole different level. (09/14/2021)

Kate is another entry in the line of feminist action flicks where the ends justify the means. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who I usually like, isn’t exactly bringing the sex appeal here, but she’s definitely tearing through a stylish, chaotic ride. It starts off with the energy of a Robert Rodriguez film but eventually settles into classic B-movie territory. Still, the Japanese gangster vibe gives it just enough flair to make it worth a watch, landing it a solid three stars from me. (09/13/2021)

In my opinion, an honest and entertaining action film that develops as you expect, but which can also surprise. The action scenes play a key role, they are varied and it did not get old to see all the possible ways in which Kate eliminates villains like in a video game. But what would be the point if I didn't care about the main character, which Mary Elizabeth Winstead portrayed fabulously? Add to that the unobtrusive neon atmosphere of night Tokyo and great music. I was, and after those few days, still am more than satisfied. (09/15/2021)

Some like cupcakes, some like wild girls, but it's a fact that this one is too wild – headshots are not spared, nor are pierced eyeballs and larynxes. Again, it's probably just my problem, but somehow I don't give a shit about those skinny girls who have ten armed men for dinner, especially when they're in the last stages of being a Litvinenko in the ICU. Anyway, another template strong female checked off, Netflix at half throttle again. But I send Mary Elizabeth Winstead a kiss on the forehead, she's a cutie. (10/25/2021)