Japanese Hell (1999)

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Review:

A remorseful former cult member (Rika) is given a chance for atonement, when she is approached by the sovereign of hell (Ms. Enma). The woman offers to absolve Rika of her sins, if she willingly faces the mind shattering torments of Inferno.

Rika's adventure begins with unforgiving visions manifested in Ms. Enma's sacred object, the "karma mirror" and ends with a dangerous trek through the many levels of purgatory. Where offenders will spend an eternity paying for their transgressions.

The crimes and merciless punishments of two men are witnessed by the sensitized, Rika. The first, a child murderer. Who eerily narrates, as he abducts, dismembers and disposes the bodies of several young girls. And the last, is the lecherous leader of the cult she was once a member of. A imitation of the real life, cult leader Shoko Asahara**

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In Conclusion:

While flawed, this film has a few really great things going for it.

The color soaked visuals and the unbridled vigor exhibited by hell's beastly inhabitants, while they subject their deserving victims to various torments. (Most notably the comical and memorable tongue stretching scene, as pictured below)

Sometimes there is an undeniable creepiness that comes from art inspired by real life tragedies and events. Also, the fact that Shoko's likeness is rendered almost identically by the actor selected to play him, only adds to the shudder some vibe.

My main complaint with this film, is the ending. I found it to be confusing and preachy. Another character is introduced, before the film is about to end and he is totally unrelated to the plot. (Although, I did find some redeeming value during the end credits, when Rika and a bevy of beautiful women disrobe before praying.)

Many may want to consider renting before buying.
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**Shoko Asahara (Founder of the Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese cult responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway Sarin gas attacks//Is also currently awaiting execution, due to his planning and participation in said events, along with myriad other crimes.)

(For further information, check out the film "A", directed by Tatsuya Mori. Which is an extensive documentary about the cult. Or if you're feeling lazy, just try wikipedia ;) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum_Shinrikyo )

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

Female Prisoner:Caged (1983)

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Review:

This lurid tale of depravity, begins in the confines of a woman's prison. Our sympathetic heroine, Masayo's plans for escape are once again foiled by her crafty captors. Although, the prison director decides to postpone any immediate punishment for the girl, after she concocts a more bestial penance.

The rest of the populace go about their daily chores, their girlish quirkiness only briefly obscure their true carnal yearnings. One girl's frequent visits to the infirmary are found to be a mere guise for her marathon masturbation sessions. Women writhe in the fields, pleasuring themselves with garden tools. And they form willing, walls of flesh when in the presence of testosterone fueled construction workers.

The prison staff are also guilty of delinquent acts.The main warden, Kishiko engages in secret liaisons with the prison chaplain, but is discovered by Masayo, who finds another girl sneaking peeks while the duo participate in sex games. (Masayo uses this to her advantage, when she decides that her next visit with her beloved should be of the conjugal variety.)

Masayo's resolve and admiration from her fellow inmates, make her a worthy adversary for the prison director. Who has a rather objectionable plan for her young rival.

That being, R-A-P-E, Rape and more rape.

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In Conclusion:

This film has a rather overwhelming somber tone. Despite the constant displays of copulation, from those consenting and not. I just could not shake the ending, which is indeterminate. Does Masayo escape unscathed to be reunited with her lover, or will she be hunted and inevitably destroyed by her bloodthirsty pursuers? All the viewer is left with is a smiling Masayo and endless possibilities for her fate.

The continual appearance of various body fluids (that being semen & urine), add to the gross out factor. Yet it was still deemed necessary to optically fog one of the very few consensual sex scenes. (Do not fear, this only occurs one time in the film.)

Smut fiends will be pleased, by the copious amounts of sex and skin. More sensitive viewers will be assumably offended by the myriad scenes of rape and misogyny.

Nonetheless, this film would make for a memorable viewing experience. Even if you are left with the undeniable need to shower after watching.

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

Waxwork (1988)

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Review:

An ageless wax museum curator with devious intentions for world destruction. Convinces a group of college students to attend a midnight unveiling of his wax effigies.
His lifelike exhibits pay homage to Universal horror staples and literary devils while depicting gruesome scenes, meant to shock and entice any unsuspecting guests.

Certain visitors find that they cannot escape the lure of the wax displays, and become unwilling participants in an alternate world, where death awaits.

Now it's up to the cynical Mark (who's father's ancient artifacts where stolen by the devious curator and used in the displays.) to put an end to the devilish museum keeper's master plan, before his ghastly creations being to reek havoc in the real world.

"Alright, who put the acid in my drink again?!"

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In Conclusion:

This film makes for a perfect popcorn flick. With it's dashes of comedy and all types of head pulverization! What's not to love? The film is currently available as a double feature with the unimpressive Waxwork 2: Lost In Time (1992).

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

Mondo Oscenita (1966)

Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter (1970)

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Review:

A group of teenage hellcats; Yuka, Peko, Mari, Megumi, Miki and their fearless leader Mako, find immense gratification in the trouble they cause. They steal, partake in knife fights and get their rock n' roll kicks. Until their routine associations with the all male gang, The Eagles yield numerous problems.

The girls frequent affiliations with half blood Japanese men. (From Mako's friendship with handsome traveler, Kazuma who is searching for his lost sister. To Mari's current love interest, the half black and Japanese, Ichiro.) Is more then enough to entice violence. Once the gang's leader and Mako's lover, Baron decides to initiate a race war with all mixed blood Japanese after being permanently traumatized by his sister's rape at the hands of a group half-breed Japanese men.

With the repeated disrespect from the prideful, Mako. Who's gang is often spotted in the presence of Kazuma, while they attempt to aid him in his search for his sister. Baron decides to teach the girls a lesson by convincing Mako to invite her comrades to a nice little shin-dig, which turns out to be an International rape party.

This betrayal is the source of Mako's anger. And her gang of sexy delinquents have no problem sharpening their claws on Baron's band of lacky's.

"Hell hath no fury" right, boys?

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In Conclusion:

There are so many wonderful things about this film. The sound track is simply amazing. (It features the 70s girl-pop group, Golden Half. Who's members are also mixed blood Japanese.)

And the fact that it manages to encompass so many things, yet still retains it's rock n' roll edge is what makes it so notably awesome. It is equally beautiful and shocking. Eye catching and political. It explores unrequited love, and the brutal aftermath of violence.

It does bum me out that this is the only film in a series of 5 Stray Cat Rock films. That is available in the US. I'll keep my fingers crossed in the meantime!

Highly recommended!

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

Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988)

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Review:

These shapely vixens of the night, seek recompense in flesh.
Your arms and legs will withdraw from your body once met with
the piercing bite of their chainsaw blades.

Their cruel leader and ancient god can only be appeased with human
sacrifices. And it's up to 3rd rate Private detective, Jack Chandler
to put an end to their insatiable blood lust.

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In Conclusion:

This goofy, camp-fest is indeed entertaining. And also features two b-movie scream queens, Michelle Bauer and Linnea Quigley.

Although, Fred Olen Ray's films are notoriously low-budget. What the film lacks in gore, etc. It makes up for with it's certain indisputable charm.

I know personally, I find a nice set of tits to be compelling in itself. And the fact that these women are also wielding chainsaws makes it that much better.

A sleazy good time for all!

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

Sins Of Sister Lucia (1978)

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Review:

When sex-bait delinquent Rumiko displeases her father with her deviant behavior. Daddy dearest decides to send his negligent offspring to a Cloistered Convent. Blissfully unaware, that this house of god is rampant with nymphet nuns (and the occasional priest) partaking of numerous illicit pleasures.

Rumiko's disinterest and continuous insubordination, make her a regular target. Not only for strict punishments, but also to the occasional wanton gaze from fellow Sisters Helena and Frida and their band of carnal slaves.

After spying on the Convent's Mother superior, Rumiko (who is given the Christian name, Lucia) is tied to a chair in the churches basement. Only to be discovered by two escaped convicts, whom after ravishing her, conspire with the girl to overtake the convent and it's impressionable servants.

Will these women be freed from their lust filled prison? Or will their duties to serve the lord be too great to ignore?

Just watch and see.

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In Conclusion:

What this film lacks in over all explicitness, it makes up for with it's number of participants. Threesomes abound in this film! Unfortunately, the authenticity of some of the actor's sexual performances is lacking. There are creative camera angles, to spice things up, but some scenes are less then believable. (Yes, I know it's softcore, but dammit that doesn't mean that what the participants are simulating has to look so rushed and fake! )

And the repetition grows rather old. The convicts help themselves to a overabundance of nun tail, but the scenes are more "wham-bam, thank you ma'am" and lack any sort of eroticism or visual stimulation.

Overall, the film is amusing. And Sister Helena (the beautiful and busty, Tamaki Katsura. Who notably appears in the superior Japanese film, Assault Jack The Ripper (1976) also provides plenty of eye candy.)

If Japanese Nunsploitation is what you crave, I would start elsewhere (School Of The Holy Beast (1974), Cloistered Nun: Runa's Confession (1976) or Wet & Rope (1979) would make for a better introduction.)

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