Amazing Nurse Nanako

Original Title: 菜々子解体診書
Romanized: Nanako Kaitai Shinsho
Literal: Nanako Disection Examination Log

Plot Synopsis

In a mansion on a military base somewhere in Japan lives a mad scientist, two martial arts masters, an old witch (literally), and the woman who works tirelessly to feed them and keep the house clean. That woman--Nanako--is also constantly threatened with being turned into the subject of one of the doctor's experiments, and forced to train in feats of strength and endurance. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the doctor is watched over by powerful forces in the military and the Church, each with their own mysterious goals. Where does Nanako fit into this, and why is she the subject of so much attention? Who knows.

Quick Review

Rating: 2 / 5
Reviewer: Marc
Review Date: 2004-10-27

Roughly equal parts overblown evil conspiracy plot and silly action-comedy, Amazing Nurse Nanako is a series that can't quite seem to make up its mind about what it is. It can, however, make up its mind about one thing: at least 50% of it is built around staring at various parts of Nanako's anatomy in various states of undress, with her pendulous and extremely "lively" bust taking center stage. Surprisingly enough, though, despite the sleaze and brutal misogyny, it does have good points: it looks very nice, has some embarrassingly funny moments, and has a great Japanese voice cast--Nanako's husky whining practically makes the whole thing worth watching.

Don't come looking for highbrow entertainment or any originality, but even people who base viewing decisions on more than just the bust size of the title character might find something to enjoy between the humor and lively characters.

US DVD Review

This is a nice disc, but frankly a bit embarrassing--I'm sure the people into Nanako's physique will be quite pleased. For one thing, the menus are nicely stylized, featuring pictures of Nanako... that bounce. Seriously--that's the only motion. Then there are the special features: A selection of character design sketches (mostly featuring Nanako in various stages of undress), and a short "Nanako Tronic" music video--the video end being the best of the best of Nanako's active bust. There are also a couple of short Japanese TV ads for the series thrown in. Other than those features, the disc is a standard, solid Pioneer production: The video transfer is sharp (though it might have a bit of color bleed if you're being very picky), both audio tracks are clear, and it includes everything there is to see video wise: both episodes, both previews, the full, unadulterated Japanese end credits, and then the English credits, which have both the Japanese and English voice acting.

Content Guide

A lot of light mature content, and also brief but very graphic violence, adding up to a 16-up rating.

Violence: 3 - Most of the violence is silly, but one short and very bloody scene.

Nudity: 2 - Only brief nudity, but a lot of "staring" with the camera.

Sex/Mature Themes: 1 - Mature themes, but mostly indirectly implied.

Language: 1 - Nothing much at all in the sub.

Notes and Trivia

The original version featured the somewhat nonsensical English subtitle "Nanako Kaitai Shinsyo Medical Comedy Love Action."

There was a 15-minute promotional video subtitled "News Flash: Sexual Biography" released shortly before the first volume. There is also a short manga adaptation by Yuu Mizuki, not available in English as of this writing.

Availability

Available in the US from Geneon (formerly Pioneer) on three bilingual DVDs containing two episodes each.

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