Everything you heard about this infamous film is true. Insanely violent and lurid film about a gang of vicious thugs who spend their days raping and murdering anyone who gets in their way. When they kidnap the daughter of a very important political figure, Rei, the 'Zero Woman' is sprung from jail to assist in the capture of these men. For Rei, 'capture' is the same as 'kill', and she does so, with a vengeance. Yukio Noda directs this one like a madman, but never misses a chance to incorporate amazing camera angles and symbolic colors into the endless line of rape and bloodshed. The best thing about this one however, has to be the Zero Woman herself. Miki Sugimoto is absolutely amazing as the vigilante cop. Sporting a red coat, with matching red gun and red handcuffs, she slices her way through scene after brutal scene. And even though she is constantly beaten and raped, her makeup is always perfect. The gang of criminals is portrayed like a pack of rabid wolves, and the sadism is on such a high level at times that I felt a bit queasy in the stomach. This 1974 film is nothing like the 'Zero Woman' films from the 90's. The region 1 U.S. dvd is beautifully packaged in a seperate cardboard collectible box, and sound and picture quality is top! Recommended viewing for fans of violent cop dramas and 'pink' films.
No matter that this final 'Scorpion' film featuring the amazing Meiko Kaji has a new director. Shunya Ito turns over the controls to Yasuharu Hasebe, who is known for his extreme but artistic 'Rape Trilogy' collection. This explains why this installment in the legendary 'Female Prisoner' series feels a bit sleazier than it's predessesors. But this is certainly not a bad thing. 'Grudge Song' finds Nami on the run again from the cops. They will stop at nothing to capture the elusive 'Sasori', the lady in black responsible for the death of police officers, as well as some other scumbags that did her wrong. Nami finds a bit of solace with a quiet man who helps her, and hides her from the cops. The two have much in common, most of all, a personal grudge against a certain cop who had tortured them both in the past. The film is a bit slower, and more story-driven at first. However it really picks up at the halfway mark, when Nami is caught, and once again imprisoned. This is a must-see for fans of the series. Kaji appears stronger in each new installment. Here she is like some mysterious and vengeful spirit from another world. She exudes this quiet strength that really can't be described. The 'Scorpion' character has to be one of the greatest fictional 'anti-heroes' in film history. Essential viewing for fans of this series.
Thriller: A Cruel Picture (product link) Thriller / Crime [NOTE: This review refers to the edited US "Vengeance Edition" DVD by Synapse Films.] Cutting out the hardcore inserts for this edition lends a certain level of class to this superb revenge drama. Actress Christina Lindberg and director Bo Arne Vibenius have created a unigue and unforgettable icon in "One Eye", the innocent girl kidnapped and forced into a life of prostitution by an evil pimp. Superb grindhouse classic, the film is a must for cult film fans. An absolute classic!
Female Prisoner #701 Scorpion: Beast Stable (product link) Action/Adventure / Crime Beast Stable is my personal favorite of the Female Prisoner Scorpion series. Heavy on plot as well as style, this plays like some demented, over-the-top soap opera, filled with violence and lurid sex. Beautiful camera work as well, and Meiko Kaji is more "Godlike" than ever as Nami, the Scorpion. It doesn't get better than this. My highest recommendation!
Female Prisoner #701 Scorpion (product link) Action/Adventure / Girls With Guns The first in a series of 4 films about Nami, "the Scorpion". In this first chapter we are introduced to the mysterious, silent woman who was betrayed by her lover, and wrongly thrown into jail, where she is subjected to still more torture and degradation by fellow inmates and cruel wardens. Nami waits in silence for her chance to have revenge on the ones who betrayed her, and took her freedom. Sasori possesses a cold stare that can freeze the blood of the most hardened thug. Masterfully filmed prison drama, this series is not to be missed!
Yellow Emanuelle (product link) Erotica / Drama Thanks for making one of the rarest and classiest films in the "Emanuelle" series available. The [film] features a classic soundtrack and beautiful scenery. The best in the series after "Emmanuelle 2".
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