Yoshihiro Nishimura is known across Japan for his over-the-top gore infused films such as Mutant Girl Squad and Tokyo Gore Police. Helldriver, a zombie invasion blood fest, is his latest venture, and boy does it leave an impression.

The film’s loose plot centers on the young Kiki as she has her heart literally ripped from her chest by her evil mother. Right as that happens, a meteor crashes to earth and, using the mother as a host, sends a contagious infection that turns everyone into zombies. Somehow, Kiki manages to stay alive, despite her heart being with her possessed mother. Armed with a chainsaw ninja blade, she must travel through the zombie infested territory and kill the alien host in order to save Japan.

QUALITY:
The quality of the film is far from a Hollywood blockbuster but still manages to look good through its own merits. The zombie makeup is perhaps the most impressive aspect of the film. There are plenty of detailed, up close shots of zombies, and they look fantastic. Nishimura is credited with creating the “gore effect” film presentation style and Helldriver doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. Blood spews forth from every open wound like a fountain and it’s typical for people to be doused in a sea of red. The presentation is representative of your average B-movie action horror a la Grindhouse. It looks good, just not great.

BONUS FEATURES:
- Director Interview with Yoshihiro Nishimura
- “The Making of Helldriver”
- “Sushi Typhoon: Tokyo Invasion!”
- Short Films: Helldriver Dakota, Catch Me If You Can!, Bailout!
- Trailers

Overall, Helldriver is an interesting film to say the least. If you’re bored and looking for something different, it’s not a bad choice. You’ll watch the entire thing just to see what ridiculous concept they’ll come up with next. One moment some zombie is erecting a floral arrangement out of penises, the next moment Kiki’s teammates are dueling it out with a zombie woman and her zombie fetus still attached to the umbilical cord. It’s absolutely ridiculous, but you don’t want to look away for one moment. It’s definitely one of the most absurd films I’ve seen this year, without question.

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