Lady Whirlwind (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Just as many theater patrons during its original stateside release, I was interested in this film primarily due to the English dub release one-sheet. Especially effective compared to its contemporaries, the poster boasts impressive graphics and the [then] controversial alternate title "Deep Thrust". I was very pleasantly suprised by the quality of all aspects of the film: plot, pacing, setting, and great action set pieces. Angela Mao is very charismatic--almost a female Clint Eastwood--and though she only appears in about 50% of the movie, the other characters successfully carry the remainder. And it's great to see a young Sammo Hung. Yes, this is low budget, but was made with care and is definitely recommended. I just want translation subtitles so I can watch with the original Mandarin soundtrack.
Okay, the plot seems circular and episodic. That's the point - her life has none! Her decisions and choices are flawed and the results sometimes tragic. This is the realistic life of a juvenile thugess. Other films have women beating up men, but here, due to her Caucasian/Asian mix, she has the reach over all the men! Combined with her street deb persona, she is a formidable action star. But she shouldn't sing (probably not her voice anyway). Why watch this? Because it is flat out full speed ahead. The plot moves like lightning with every exploitation element or situation that you could want at least once if not two or three times. There are some scenes that could offend, but the film doesn't dwell on them and they are over before you know it, then onto more crazed exploitation goodness. If you enjoyed "Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs", then this movie is for you. I have ordered "Rica 2", and can't wait to get it!
Rica 2: Lonely Wanderer (product link) Erotica / Action/Adventure Not quite the exploitation showcase as the first, and with more conventional and less frantic pacing. No reform schools here, and no nudity from the star (Rika), though it does have some anti-USA bias. It's still a quite good follow-up and perhaps more believable than the original (which may actually detract from the entertainment value). Judging from the trailer, looks like the third installment is less sedate and more of a roller coaster ride like the first one.
Girl Boss Revenge (product link) Crime / Action/Adventure "Girl Boss Revenge" is fast-paced and quite entertaining. It also shares the same structure if not actual plot of the many other girl gang movies of the period. A huge plus is Reike and Sugimoto 'together again'. It is on par with "Girl Boss Guerilla" and "Terrifying Girls' High School: Lynch Law Classroom". There's a knife through the hand just as in "Rica", but here it comprises a pre-credits sequence. This is not a showcase of Norifumi artistry but it IS great FUN!
Shaolin Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Top 10 Shaw Brothers? The training sequences (middle third) are exceptional. I even showed that part to my wife. Seems to me this is the blueprint for the 'Grasshopper' sequences in the TV show Kung Fu.
Psychotronica Collector's Set [6-Movie Set] (product link) Erotica / Thriller Five stars for "Mondo Keyhole". Three for "Delinquent Schoolgirls". Two for "Mermaids Of Tiburon" (either version).
SECURE CREDIT CARD PROCESSING BY VERISIGN.
1088 users online right now / 586529 visitors since 11/29/2009 5:34:49 AM All content copyright 2000+ HKFlix.com, not to be used without written permission.
