Human Lanterns (1982)

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Review:

Affluent rivals Lung and Tan challenge each other in an upcoming New Years Lantern making contest. Their announcements are made at a public ceremony Tan's throwing in honor of his upcoming engagement to the beautiful Yen-Chu (a known prostitute and Lung's former lover).

The thought of nuptial bliss between Tan his eternal enemy and Yen-Chu fills Lung with rage and entices him to request the services of a former opponent Chung-Fang, who was left humiliated and permanently scarred, after Lung challenged him to a fight when they both sought the love of the same woman. The woman in question (Jin) is now Lung's wife.

Chung-Fang is able to conceal his vengeful thoughts long enough to gain Lung's trust with the promise of the lantern's completion come the time of the contest, but he still seeks revenge, so Chung-Fang decides to use a special material for his award winning lanterns, the soft, youthful skin of various unwilling female victims, all whom have various relationships linking them with Lung's rival Tan.

Will Lung discover Chung-Fang's plot for revenge, or will all the beautiful women in this film meet a ghastly end!?

Let the skin peeling begin!

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In Conclusion:


This action-horror film is filled with atmosphere, beautiful scenery and equally beautiful women. Certain action scenes are well choreographed and exciting, while the film does occasionally slip into long winded tangents that detract from the viewing experience.

Overall it is a pretty decent watch, I would recommend as a possible rental before purchasing.

I am however, looking forward to the release of another Shaw Brother's Film "Seeding of a Ghost".

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Mondo Cane (1962)

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Review:

A thoroughly informative and equally entertaining showcase of various cultural oddities. From scenic beauty to savage customs where the authenticity of certain footage is questionable, yet fascinating nonetheless.

From voracious crowds of randy female natives participating in a man hunt. To a tribe in New Guinea that places it's most desirable females in cages only to gorge them on tapioca root, so that they can attain a form covetable to the tribe leader who weights a meer 92 lbs.

There is shock footage aplenty as the viewer witnesses the brutal beheading of a bull, and in the final frame a bull gets it's revenge as it reeks havoc through the streets and takes out curious spectators.

I will say that with the popularity of certain cooking shows (such as Top Chef), I was starting to wonder what Foie Gras actually was. And after seeing how it is made (by force feeding a duck or goose so that it's engorged liver can be extracted for Gourmet aficionados.) I have absolutely no desire ever to try it. (To each their own, I suppose :P)

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In Conclusion:

This is the Shockumentary that started it all, and is an absolute viewing necessity for those that are looking for landmark points in exploitation films.

Highly recommended!

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Flower & Snake (1974)

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Review:

Businessman Makoto, forever traumatized by events that occurred when he was a child, is rendered impotent and is unable to have casual sex with a female. His doting mother who he happens to reside with, only aids in her son's impairment by filming pornographic bondage films in their basement.

Senzo, the owner of the company Makoto works for, happens to request the services of his young employee, when he finds explicit photos of women in various stages of bondage at his desk. Discontent with his own marriage and his inability to have relations with his beautiful, prideful wife Shizuko. Senzo asks Makoto to train his wife in the art of submission, so she would bend to his every command, rather then force him to take his sexual frustrations out on the maid.

Senzo puts sleeping pills in Shizuko's drink, rendering her incapable of fighting off Makoto's advances.

What is in store for the unfortunate Shizuko is a plethora of fetish staples, including Shibari, enemas, and other various perversities.

Will she become the wife that Senzo desires, or is her will too strong to break?

You will be amazed at the various depraved relationships that unfold before your eyes.

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In Conclusion:

Oh, my what a pervy film! For those unfamiliar with another sub-genre of Pink film, known as the "Roman Porno", this is an example of such film. A low-budget Japanese film that tends to focus more on sex.

This film also helped film distribution company "Nikkatsu" from going completely bankrupt.

For those that love their smut as much as I do, this would make a worthy purchase.

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Love Me Deadly (1973)

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Review:

She lingers in the back row of the funeral home, waiting for her chance to caress the embalmed, cold flesh of the dead cradled in their coffins. She knows nothing about the deceased or their grieving families, all she knows is that her lust for the dead is too great to be denied.

Her corpse fetish may derive its potency from her deceased father, with whom she shared a rather odd relationship with. As a kid her father treated her more like a lover then a child. Their bond was so strong that once he passed away, Lindsey could not help but become fixated with his corpse. Her inability to have a normal relationship with various potential suitors, only exacerbates the situation, when she finds herself unable to become intimate with them.

One day after having a random encounter at a funeral parlor she finds herself interested in a living man (Alex), who's uncanny resemblance to her late father leads her to lust secretly after him. His mutual interest in her leads the two to form a seemingly normal relationship. Yet, Lindsey still cannot give up her compulsion to visit the funeral home, where the owner of the establishment (Fred) begins to notice an increase in her attendance.

A fellow necrophile himself, he offers to invite Lindsey to join a special group of individuals that happen to share in her affinity for the dead. Little does she know that the group happens to be a gaggle of devil worshiping deviants who kill their playmates before partaking in sexual acts with their corpses.

Will Lindsey ever allow herself to have a normal relationship with Alex, or will she be "Forever doomed to love only the dead?"

Just watch and see.

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In Conclusion:

If Lifetime Television for Women where around in the 70s and happened to produce a sleazy film about Necrophilia, Love Me Deadly would be that film. There are many moments filled with unnecessary melodrama, yet at the same time the movie has such great atmosphere.

Despite the sappy romance, there is still a lot of distasteful subject matter taking place.
I really enjoyed the film, and after multiple viewings I find myself liking it even more. Don't let the Lifetime comment dishearten you, you'll still be in for a unique viewing experience.

It's also interesting to note that this film pre-dates other notorious corpse love films, such as (Nekromantik 1 & 2, Lucker The Necrophageous, and Kissed)
Not bad for 1973.

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use them without my permission.)

Female Prisoner # 701: Scorpion (1972)

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Review:

After yet another attempt to escape the confines of prison, Nami and a female accomplice are caught and thrown into solitary confinement. As a precautionary measure to further deter any more inmates from escaping, the guards decide to punish the entire female prison populace with food depravation and extreme laborious acts.

We find that three years before her incarceration, Nami was in love with a corrupt narcotics officer (Sugumi). Who after deflowering the willing Nami, manages to persuade her to aid him in a sting operation involving the Yakuza. Unable to convince the gangsters of the legitimacy of her presence, she is beaten and raped by the thugs, before Sugumi makes an appearance.

She finds that all along he was only deceiving her, using her as bait to extort the Yakuza for financial gain. The sequence of events fills Nami with such rage that she seeks retribution for her dishonor and attempts to attack Sugumi in the middle of the street with a sharp knife, before police intercept her and throw her in prison.

Still content in further torturing his ex-lover even though she is safely behind bars, Sugumi hires a fellow inmate and former drug mule (Katagiri) with promises of a reduced prison sentence if she murders Nami.
Unwilling to get her hands dirty, Katagiri decides to turn all the inmates against Nami, blaming her for their suffering and constant abuse. Until finally the cruel punishment forced on the inmates becomes too much and they start a revolt against the prison guards.

Will Nami ever escape and get her revenge, or will she become just another plaything for her disgruntled fellow prisoners?

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In Conclusion:

I love the visuals in this film, all of the dramatic lighting and the way many scenes play out almost like the manga that is was originated from.

It still retains the characteristic sleaziness and violence of a WIP film, perhaps not as over the top. Regardless it is filled with beautiful visuals and a rather addictive opening song.
Highly reccommended, to fans of Pinku Eiga and WIP films.

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Sweet Movie (1974)

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Review:

The film revolves around two female leads, Miss Monde Winner: Miss Canada, and murderous boat captain, Anna Planet.

For the Miss Monde (or Miss World) competition, each contestant is asked to endure a gynecological exam, live on national television to prove their chastity. (One of the only requirements necessary to win the competition.) The winner of Miss World is to receive 50 billion dollars, and is to be wed to the competitions financial backer Mr. Kapital who's empire thrives on the production and distribution of milk.

The winner of the competition, Miss Canada is whisked away with her new spouse, who when consummating their marriage thoroughly sanitizes his bride with his favorite product, iso-propylene alcohol, before traumatizing the girl with his golden member.

Unable to satisfy her partner, and dissatisfied with the current state of things, Miss Canada after mentioning the possibility of divorce, Mr. Kapital's mother has her stuffed into a suitcase by a bodybuilder and ships her off to Paris. There she falls head over heels for a famous Latin singer, whom she entices and has sex with on the Eiffel Tower before a group of Nuns try to photograph the singer, causing the man to spasm with embarrassment, forcing the two to remain stuck together mid-coitus.

After such an embarrassing display, Miss World is left in a catatonic state and finds herself in a bizarre commune, where its members partake of mass quantities of food, followed by group vomiting and defecation which then leads the participants to proudly display their stool on plates for an excited audience. (A sight that has to be seen to be believed.)

As for our other character, Anna Planet, who's impressive boat resembles the likeness of Karl Marx, and on the inside houses baskets full of candy and a bed made entirely of sugar. (A novelty she uses to lure men and boys on to her ship, before seducing them and dispatching them.)

Anna happens to be a product of lust for a local sailor who after myriad attempts to board her ship, finally catches her attention when he drops "trou" and pisses in full view of the female captain. The two become lovers, before Anna eventually stabs him and buries him in her sugar bed.

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In Conclusion:

Unfortunately, Anna's story was a little bit more difficult for me to follow, and had a resounding political tone. I recommend multiple viewings of the film to ensure that nothing is missed and for clarification of any nonsensical things that occur (which there are many.)

There is a lot of symbolism that unfortunately, because arthouse films are not a common purchase for me, come off as a bit difficult to decipher, but that does not mean that a casual film oddity fan cannot enjoy this film purely based on visuals alone.

It can be appreciated for it's brand of absurd comedy and shocking imagery. (The footage of Anna Planet seducing a group of young boys with an erotic dance, is something many people may find offensive.) Also, almost all bodily functions are on display in this film, so if the sight of fecal matter, vomit, snot, etc, disgusts you, perhaps this film should be avoided.

Overall, I still thoroughly enjoyed this film. I have never seen anything like it, and now that I have I would love to see more films of this kind.

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Screen Captures: (Please Note, all screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Faceless (1988)

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Review:

When renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Flamand, his sister (Ingrid), and his sanguinary assistant and lover Nathalie are approached in a dark parking garage by a very displeased former patient with an unsightly facial scar (who happens also to brandish a container filled with acid). The encounter ends with Flamand's sister being splashed in the face with the acid, when attempting to shield her brother from the container's contents.

Ingrid does survive the confrontation, but her once beautiful face is now marred by the corrosive acid. Rendering her a prisoner of her brother's home, where she remains in her room languishing in misery.

Feeling guilty for her disfigurement, Flamand begins to consider a radical facial transplant procedure, that would possibly restore his sister's former glory, yet when confronted with the reality that no beautiful woman would willingly subject herself to such butchery, he and Nathalie consider other plans to obtain live specimens.

The various adult clubs that thrive in Paris, make the hunt for beautiful girls that much easier for Flamand and Nathalie, who lure their victims back to their home where they seduce them, before throwing them in a locked cell until any procedures are attempted. Their plans seemingly go off without a hitch, until a father of one of the kidnapped girls hires a private detective to find his missing daughter.

Will Flamand restore his sister's former attributes, or will they suffer the consequences of their murderous acts?

Mmmm...face transplants.

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In Conclusion:

Franco had his largest budget for this film. A large portion of it seemingly going to the gore effects, which are impressive. The FX ranging from an eyeball stabbing and botched face transplants to messy chainsaw dismemberment courtesy of one of the creepiest looking bastards in cinema history (Nathalie's mute accomplice, Gordon). Now that is a face only a mother could love.

Franco's trademark fixation for the zoom lense, and fetish based softcore (or hardcore depending on which cut of the myriad films he's been involved with.) are nowhere to be found in this film. Yet an overwhelmingly sleazy undertone is more then present, which is no surprise considering the decadence of the 80s.
Unfortunately, like most Franco titles there are a few things that hindered my viewing experience. First being that Helmut Berger looks unbelievably bored throughout a large portion of the film. It's rather odd seeing him so subdued. Another being the soundtrack, which is downright awful. (A common flaw that many viewers mention.)

Despite that, this would be a good starting point for those that are unfamiliar with Franco, I think this would be one of his more accessible films.
And the gore, the glorious gore! And Telly Savalas. I love Telly Savalas.

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Screen Captures: (All screen caps are taken by me, please do not use without my permission.)

Don't Deliver Us From Evil (1971)

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Review:

Beneath a facade of youthful innocence and inexperience, two mischievous girls (Anne & Lore) attend St. Mary's Catholic School for girls. When not laughing during church sermons or confessing to sins fabricated for their own amusement. The pair strategically plan for an upcoming Satanic ritual, where they will denounce any affiliations with Christ and devote their lives to evil.

To prepare for the ceremony the girls secretly hoard communion wafers, eventually resorting to acts of theft when they take a priest's ceremonial garb and communion wine for their upcoming festivities. The two also enlist the services of Anne's mentally disabled gardener (Leon), whom the two thoroughly enjoy subjecting to various torments and abuse.

With summer break looming, Anne's parents decide to go on a trip for two months and with their servant (Gustave) as Anne's only form of supervision. The arrangement allows the girls many opportunities to get themselves into trouble.

It is not long before the duo decides to flirt with a local farmer. Anne manages to persuade Lore to entice the farmer, by entertaining him with a playful strip tease (before she departs to release the man's cows from the confines of the gated farm.) Left in the company of such a pervert, Lore is ravished by the sexually frustrated farmer who in his relentless pursuit of satisfaction tries to rape her. Thankfully, his attempts to deflower the girl are thwarted when Lore kicks him in the groin, enabling her to escape.

The girls continue to entice the opposite sex and commit devious acts, yet they are unprepared for the consequences of their actions when their games begin to take on a murderous tone.

"We shall dedicate our lives to Satan, our lord and master"

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In Conclusion:

Banned by the Catholic Church (seeing the movie you will know why.) & Loosely based on the Parker-Hulme Murder, depicted in Peter Jackson's--Heavenly Creatures, but with a more sacrilegious bend.

The girls interactions with various male characters make for quite an uncomfortable watch. Rape stares abound in this movie, even if the girl's intentionally draw negative attention to themselves.

Over all, I was quite entranced by the film. I liked the pairings (which are prevalent in many films) of light and dark. Anne being the dark haired deviant who provokes. And Lore being the sympathetic blonde easily convinced and usually the one conveniently left in compromising positions with the opposite sex.

I found them both worthy of evoking sympathy, and yet at the same time deserving of a good ass beating.

Both the ending and the musical score creep under your skin. Even now as I write this review, the theme is on continuous loop in my mind.

The flick comes highly recommended, and thankfully is only available in French or French with English subtitles. As it was meant to be seen.

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Screen Captures: (Please note: all screen caps are taken by me. If you intend to use them, please give me credit.)

Salon Kitty (1976)

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Review:

Women who proclaim their love of National Socialism, and enforce strong support for the Führer, Hitler are recruited by SS Officer Wallenburg and his subordinates to entertain SS troops with decadent displays of sexual acrobatics and constant stimulation to help increase resolve among those discouraged by the tedious battle.

To further convince Wallenburg and his counterparts of their desire to do anything imaginable for the sake of the National Socialist movement. The women are asked to perform various tasks to prove their loyalty before they progress.

First they are filmed participating in various forms of coitus with SS Troops before being placed into cells where they are forced to copulate with men considered very undesirable to the master race. (The likes of gypsies, amputees, concentration camp victims, etc.) Some girls are more then willing to participate in such deviant acts, while others make unsuccessful attempts to flee from their cell mates.

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Wallenburg's plan includes the involvement of the successful Madam (Kitty), who is forced to make drastic changes to her establishment and the girls she employs. At Wallenburg's request, her current girls are replaced by his hand picked Aryan female subordinates, whom Kitty is assigned the task of training to become professional call girls.

Before the re-opening of the Salon, Wallenburg has every room in the brothel bugged, so that spies can secretly record the goings on in each room. The newly appointed girls are also required to write status reports on each man they entertain. The men who visit Madam Kitty's are appointed to various ranks and positions in the Third Reich, making any dirt uncovered by the secret operation that much more powerful. Some men unknowingly divulge potentially life changing information, including their true feelings about the war and National Socialism.

Caught in the cross hairs of such a devious plot for power, fellow call girl Margherita (whom Wallenburg has an infatuation for) happens to fall for one of her male suitors, who's plan for treason result in his untimely demise. (Even with Margherita going to great lengths to conceal his secret by falsifying her report for Wallenburg.)

After her lover is killed when news of his attempts to switch sides in the war is leaked to Wallenburg. Margherita seeks revenge against Wallenburg with intentions of beating him at his own game and forging an alliance with Madam Kitty, who also seeks retribution after numerous tragedies befall some of her girls and clients.

Will the embittered pair manage to unravel Wallenburg's corrupt plans for power without being discovered? Just watch and see....

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In Conclusion:

Underneath a guise of decadence lies a very well made film. Some of its content will be off putting to those who are easily offended.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the visuals and the musical numbers, which I found to be quite catchy.

Highly Recommended!

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Screen Captures: (Please note, all screen caps are taken by me. Please, give me credit if you intend to use them.)

Exorcism (1979)

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Review:

Defrocked priest and recent asylum escapee (Vogul) makes a living by writing tawdry tales of depravity for a local sex publication, Dagger & Garter weekly. When turning in a manuscript for his latest story, he becomes infatuated with magazine secretary, Anne. Whom he overhears discussing plans for a black mass with the magazine's editor (Franval).

What Vogul does not know is that the magazine throws elaborate parties for it's rich & pervy clientele, who's taste for the unusual encourages Anne and her lesbian lover to enact staged satanic rituals for their receptive audience, who whipped into a sexual frenzy help themselves to various hedonistic activities. (aka orgy)

Convinced that true demonic behaviour is taking place, Vogul decides that the imposing influence of the lord is necessary to ward off the devil. So he begins to strategically target certain individuals (usually female) involved with the black masses in an attempt to purify them with his trusty blade.

A mounting body count, displaying the same methods of butchery lead a certain detective to theorize about the murderous sadist involved. He concludes that the methods of torture resembled strategies used by the Inquisition when attempting to exorcise a possessed individual. The same occurances also play out in several "fictional" tales published in Dagger & Garter magazine.

Can the authorities stop Vogul, before he continues his misguided rampage against those he claims to be bewitched? Or will all deviants involved with the staged black masses feel the wrath of Vogul's "Sword of the lord."

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In Conclusion:

There are many picture jumps & color shifts that may prove distracting for some viewers. The various changes can only hint at just how many changes the film has endured over the years. (Like many Franco titles, many cuts and versions baring various titles exist.)

The minor distractions really did not affect my viewing experience, I found that at every turn there was some beautiful nude woman to enjoy (Franco regulars, real life companion Lina Romay & Monica Swinn most notable as The Directress from Barbed Wire Dolls) as always have no problem displaying their various attributes regardless of the scenario.

And much like, Barbed Wire Dolls the film has a very off kilter, abrupt ending that if properly fleshed out could have only heightened the whole experience.

Worth a rental if an individual is unfamiliar with Franco's brand of exploitation. (I also thought that Synapses reversible dvd cover was a pretty neat idea.)

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Screen Captures: (Please note: all screen captures are taken by me. Please, give me credit if you intend to use them.)

Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs (1974)

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Review:

A female undercover police officer (Rei) is imprisoned for killing a rich diplomat responsible for the death of a close friend. The vigilante cop is now forced to waste away in the confines of prison, with fellow inmates that thrive on subjecting her to their fits of sadism.

But...not for long..

An unruly gang member is released from prison, where he promptly resumes his life of crime with his gaggle of barbaric goons. They embark on a crime spree, first by intruding on an unsuspecting couple engaged in conversation about their engagement. The men quickly dispatch the boyfriend, before taking turns repeatedly violating his poor fiancee. (Rather then give their nude and prone victim a chance to divulge their crimes to the authorities, they decide to kidnap the girl and attempt to extort her family for money.)

Fortunately for our anti-heroine, her old colleagues have unorthodox plans for her. To have her prison sentence revoked, she must infiltrate the gang, dispatch its members and return their hostage safely. (The gang unknowingly kidnap the daughter of a man with political affiliations, who is also attempting to become the next president. Their demands include a ransom of 30,000,000 yen.)

The authorities manage to bait the gang with promises of a suitcase, filled with the ransom they requested. And insist that their leader meets an assigned patsy at a train station to confirm the transaction. As expected the plan goes awry, and the gang's leader makes a run with the suitcase only to be chased by a group of police officials. Fisticuffs ensue, before Rei puts a quick end to the confrontation by slicing the faces of several polices officers, enabling her escape with her purposed target..who openly welcomes her to join his gang.

Unfortunately for Zero woman, his distrusting cronies have other plans for her.... Will Rei save the future president's daughter and avoid creating a political scandal, or will she also become another victim?

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In Conclusion:

I have always had a fetish for badass beautiful women, with this film I could not help but be slightly disappointed. I wished that Rei had participated more in the violence at hand, as opposed to idly standing around doe-eyed while she is repeatedly raped and beaten.

Other then a few minor complaints, the movie is fantastic..it's cartoon-ish depictions of rape and violence are always a worthy source of entertainment. (& Miki Sugimoto is absolutely gorgeous, thankfully I will have more opportunities to see her, since the vast majority of her filmography consists of Pinky Violence titles.)

If you happen to enjoy stylish violence & vast quantities of female flesh you just might enjoy Pinky Violence. I know I am hooked.

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Screen Captures: (Please note: all screen caps are taken by me, please give me credit if you intend to use them)

Dark Waters (1994)

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 Review:

Unexplained events occur at a Convent, leading to the demise of several of its spiritual inhabitants. A priest is impaled through the throat by a crucifix as the church around him is completely enveloped by water. A fellow nun also meets her demise, as she is pushed off a cliff by an unknown force to the jagged rocks below, clutching an amulet engraved with the image of an ancient beast.

20 years after the atrocities occurred, a young woman (Elizabeth) ventures out to the mysterious island where the Convent is contained. Her father's recent demise results in his remaining estate being left for her to manage. She uncovers records of his monetary endeavors and discovers that he had been making monthly payments to help sustain the Convent's crumbling infrastructure.

Elizabeth arrives on the island with plans to discuss the financial situation of the convent with the mother superior. There she is confronted by an ambiguous sect of self-flagellating nuns that succumb to murderous compulsions when not roaming the island brandishing burning crucifixes. With fellow fledgling nun, Sarah as her only companion (albeit a suspicious one).

Elizabeth roams the island, her various encounters with its residents allude to a previous existence at the Convent, before she was moved to the United Kingdom by her father when she was 7. Her fleeting memories only further disturb her when she endures unnerving hallucinations in sleep of a forsaken evil that lurks in the confines of the religious community.

Will Elizabeth escape the hordes of murderous nuns, or will the beast inside consume her as her past is slowly revealed?

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In Conclusion:

Between the disorienting musical score, and the blasphemous dreamscapes exuding oppressive creepiness. I cannot decide which messed with my head more.

I love the movie, and it's dashes of Lovecraftian terror. Need I also mention (The NoShame 2-Disc Special Edition, released last year is superb! Worthy of a purchase for the stone amulet alone.)

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Screen Captures: (Please note, all screen caps are taken by me. Give me credit if you intend to use them.)

Satan's Blood (1978)

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Review :

A young gullible couple (Andy & Annie) foolishly accompany two eccentric lovers (Bruno & Berta) back to their home for drinks. (After Bruno manages to convince a skeptical Andy of their previous friendship in College.)

On their arrival at a looming estate, located off the main road in a remote location. The couples overwhelming feelings of apprehension do little to hinder the two from following their strange hosts inside to discover interior adornments that consist of ceremonial paraphernalia and an extensive library on the occult.

The topic of the supernatural is discussed, before the foursome curiously decide to use the assistance of a Ouija board to communicate with the beyond. An encounter with a malevolent spirit during their seemingly helpless party game, causes turmoil among the couples when acts of infidelity and distrust are divulged. The experience proves to be too overwhelming for Bruno & Berta's guests, who try to no avail to leave the premises.

Each time the helpless couple is faced with a convenient situation (thunderstorm, faulty automobiles, etc.) or bouts of outright stupidity that only continue to halt any attempts for departure.

Will Andy & Annie persevere and live to regret their nightmare weekend? Or will they succumb to the corrupting influence of their party hosts and be condemned to an existence ruled by an allegiance to a malevolent cause?

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In Conclusion:

Our young naive couple provides myriad wtf moments as the viewer is forced to watch slack-jawed in disbelief at their outright stupidity. Most people would not return to a place stricken with madness because they forgot their purse. Or ignore the frustration of finding their car in a state of disrepair because their stomach was rumbling.

I found myself at times just shouting at the television screen, "Goddammit, just leave!" to no avail. Yet despite the air-headed lead characters, the movie does have a certain charm and atmosphere that cannot be denied. I still found myself really enjoying the movie despite its flaws.

Thankfully the title is available for your viewing pleasure in both dubbed (the dubbed version is actually pretty decent, compared to previous Mondo Macabro titles.) and subtitled versions. To those unsure about an immediate purchase, this would prove to be a worthy rental.

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Screen Captures: (Please note: All screen captures are taken by me, please give me credit if you intend to use them.)

 

Vampyres (1974)

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Review:

Two blissful lovers (Fran & Miriam) are murdered in the throes of passion by an unknown assailant, their re-animated corpses arise cursed to roam the English countryside in search of blood.

Unaffected by certain limitations associated with most bloodsuckers. The devilish pair cavorts about freely in the sunlight, luring unsuspecting motorists back to the seclusion of their cob-web adorned hideaway. (Where the twosome bait their guests with flesh games and copious amounts of alcohol, before dispatching them in a bestial frenzy.)

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A vacationing couple (Harriet & John) unknowingly park their caravan in the general vicinity of the duo's gloomy abode, where they encounter Fran's newest male suitor, Ted. (Who requests their aid when he wakes after a night of debauchery to discover a nasty slash on his forearm.)

For reasons unknown the lovelorn chap manages to elude the same fate, prior guests have suffered. And is given ample time to unearth unsettling clues that lead him to question his own safety. (Mainly the resurfacing nude corpses of gentleman callers appearing on the side of the road for the authorities to discover.)

Will our imperiled traveler's escape the murderous wrath of the bloodsucking seductresses? Or will they also fall victim to their insatiable appetites?

Just watch and see....

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In Conclusion:

This film hypnotizes its viewers with many captivating visuals. From shapely nude bodies writhing around in ecstasy to shots of looming gothic estates covered in centuries worth of overgrown vegetation.
It exudes atmosphere and sensuality. Despite leaving some things open-ended and unexplained.
Overall, this movie comes highly recommended.

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Screen Captures: (Please note: all screen caps are taken by me. Please, give me credit if you intend to use them.)