I get a lot of unusual comments on my MAL profile. It takes a lot to really get a rise out of me. However, the other week somebody left a comment saying how cruel and unfair I've been in my reviews towards Studio Arms. At first I was utterly baffled by this statement. My favorite anime of all time is an Arms anime and I'm not exactly subtle about my affection for it. I don't think they made good anime on average, but I love Arms in the same way that I love Troma. They made shit that absolutely nobody else would make and didn't care what people thought. Then I realized that back in 2014 I wrote a review that was very unfair to Mezzo! I was probably just in a really bad mood because med school tends to do that. So to apologize to Mezzo and that random Arms fanboy, I'm writing this revaluation.
Mezzo shares a lot of DNA with director Yasuomi Umetsu's other hentai Kite. However, Mezzo is far more tonally consistent and commits fully to cheesy action rather than tragic drama. I definitely think this fits Umetsu better given his directorial style and visual aesthetic. Mr. Umetsu is not exactly the most subtle animator in anime history. He tends to love massive explosions, impossible amounts of ketchup blood, and very wild expressions. Most younger MAL users probably haven't seen Kite or Mezzo. Those 2 Ovas aren't exactly viewed as essential classics. However, everyone has seen the first episode of Elfen Lied. Or at least you've seen some Youtube AMV set to "Animal" by 3 Days Grace. Well, that's Umetsu! That is his style in a nutshell. While Umetsu's style makes for unusual drama, it makes for absolutely hilarious comedy. Mezzo is 2 episodes of boobs, blood, and the most over the top ass kicking possible. Every second you will either be laughing or thinking "that was fucking awesome!"
The story of Mezzo isn't going to win any awards, but this is a porno. I would be pretty stupid to spend time complaining that the plot of a porno isn't perfect. Still, it does have some bizarre moments that are pretty funny. For example, the main assassin girl realizes halfway through the OVA that her target is her twin sister. However, she doesn't figure it out in a normal way. Instead, she suddenly has a flash of unexplained psychic powers and telepathy that are never brought up again. Also, sentient sex robots exist in this universe, so the film grinds to a screeching halt to explain in excruciating detail how to clean out the sex robots and remove old semen. Umetsu definitely takes some heavy drugs when he writes. There's no getting around that. However, none of this stops Mezzo from being the most amusing action hentai around!
Should you watch Mezzo Forte! YES! It's on Youtube right now with the 2 brief sex scenes cut out. Trust me, you really aren't missing anything. Neither of the sex scenes have any impact on the plot. One scene is just a dream sequence and the other involves a robot and 2 random henchmen. Amazingly, none of the main characters actually have sex in this entire hentai! If you're feeling bored and want some schlock entertainment, this is a must watch OVA and it's only 2 episodes!
