Ultraviolet: Code 044 – Ep. 01

I’ll admit it. I enjoyed the Ultraviolet film for its Milla Jovovich-ness, cool action, and nifty effects. Sure, it’s not a particularly deep movie, but I like it on popcorn-flick/pure entertainment basis. When I found out there was an Ultraviolet anime, I had to check it out.

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!

From what I can tell, there’s only a passing resemblance to the film with little to no connection to any of the characters. This Ultraviolet goes by “Agent 44″, and works as a government assassin. She was created in a lab, and at the age of fourteen, she was injected with a virus that amped up her physical abilities and greatly decreased her lifespan.

The action is quick, and sometimes awkwardly framed as she slices her way through bad guys with a very cool looking sword. Fans of the color-changing clothes and hair, however, will be disappointed as neither makes an appearance in this episode.

Agent 44 is tall and slender like an underweight fashion model, which conjures up images of Peter Chung’s Aeon Flux design. And just like Aeon Flux, 44 spends a lot of time in the buff or scantily clad. Unfortunately, the nudity is no more titillating than a Barbie doll.

The environment is dark and grim, reminding of Blade Runner more than the setting of the Ultraviolet film. And the science fiction angle has been amped up quite a bit. When Agent 44 is sent on an assignment to Jupiter (yes, the planet) in a passenger space shuttle that still launchs like a shuttle from Cape Canaveral.

After one episode it’s hard to judge this show’s story quality. There’s still a way to go before the verdict is in. However, if you’re into action flick chicks, you’ll probably want to check this show out.