Kiss Of Death (1973)

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Review:

The life of a beautiful factory girl is forever changed when she is surprised on her way home from work by a group of 5 miscreant men. The offenders are on an apparent quest for cheap thrills and force the girl to join them at a secluded rooftop hideaway, where they proceed to take turns violating their prey.

Several days after her savage encounter, Ling begins to experience excruciating lower abdominal pain, but refuses to seek medical attention. Her mind can only entertain thoughts of violence and the satisfaction she would receive from killing and maiming those who ruined her. In her quest, she decides to seek employment at a local bar, where women are employed as hostesses and sometimes escorts for their male suitors.

Ling mistakenly attacks a man at the bar, whom upon first glance reminds her of one of the men who assaulted her. After the misunderstanding is smoothed over by the owner (Lo Lieh), Ling convinces him to hire her as one of his hostesses. The bar is also where she meets fellow employee, Hung who tells Ling of a former hostess who is living out her last moments, after contracting a fatal venereal disease, known as "Vietnam Rose". It does not take long for Ling to discover that she also has the deadly disease.

In her final days, she seeks vengeance and also finds love with Lo Lieh, who she sadly cannot enjoy intimately..and who also happens to be a renowned Kung-fu master. After pleading with him, he finally agrees to help her retaliate.

Now the "lady on the roof" will finally get her revenge.

"Teach me kung-fu, so I can kill!"

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In Conclusion:

It seems as though the film "Her Vengeance" is a remake of this movie. The plots are almost identical, except I personally believe that this is a much better film. Even with a bittersweet ending, the events that transpire make for a more satisfying viewing experience, without an overbearingly melancholy vibe that I felt detracted from my enjoyment of "Her Vengeance".

The women make for excellent eye candy and possess a timeless elegance not found in more modern films...especially Hung who's weapon of choice is a collection of sharp blades made to look like an ordinary deck of cards. I so need that! :P

Equally entertaining and sleazy, I really love this film!

Highly recommended!

P.S: I am also looking forward to the February 15th release of Director Meng-Hwa Ho's 1971 film, The Lady Hermit.

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





Happy New Year, everyone!

Her Vengeance (1988)

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Review:

After having a dispute with 5 obnoxious bar patrons, Kit King is ambushed on her way home and taken to a cemetery, where she is gang raped. Her tormentors not only defile her, but one man also infects Kit with an incurable venereal disease.

When left in a bloody heap on the rain soaked earth, she discovers a lighter left by one of the men, bearing an address. And with her sister's guidance, Kit seeks employment at a bar owned by her siblings wheelchair bound ex lover, Hsiung. Who hires her as a waitress/escort, granting her more access to the gang that contaminated her.

It is here that her plans for retaliation come to fruition. But, in her quest for retribution, Kit ends up making the ultimate sacrifice...her loved ones.

The film concludes with a dramatic, blood soaked showdown between Kit, Hsiung and the remaining gang members, in Hsiung's bar which has been furnished with booby traps.

Just see who makes it out alive!

"Tooth for a tooth, vengeance must be done."

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In Conclusion:

I was pretty surprised at how subdued this film was, but only after watching it did I discover online that the version of the film I purchased (Fortune Star/Joy Sales) which is a longer cut of the film (running at 85 mins) does not include some of the more violent and skin laden scenes of the Out of print, Megastar version (with a running time of 78 mins). Other footage was supplemented, to make up for what was taken out, leaving many HK film completists wanting a special edition version of the film, containing both Cat II and Cat III versions. *fingers crossed*

Does that make the film any less entertaining, absolutely not. But if you are like me and expect a super explicit film, loaded with stomach churning rape scenes that culminate with a satisfyingly violent payoff you might be disappointed, as I was.

Still I cannot deny the supreme awesomeness of Hsiung's wheelchair Kung fu! Or the creative finale.

Her Vengeance is still a very good film, I just wish that the version most commonly available did not leave out most of what makes a Cat III film so memorable, the sex and violence!

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

The Dark Backward (1991)

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Review:

Marty Malt is a garbage man with comedic aspirations, unfortunately his repertoire of unfunny jokes and awkward stage presence, lead to a less then warm reception from his audience. Not one to be discouraged, Marty still continues to pursue his dream with the encouragement from his "friend" and co-worker, the repugnant accordion player, Gus. Who when not stuffing his face with foul, inedible concoctions, indulges in his fetish for *ahem* very large women.

Their meager lives remain unchanged until the day Gus discovers a large boil on the back of Marty's neck. This boil seems harmless at first, until is starts to increase in size. And eventually an arm sprouts from it. Giving our down and out comedian the rare opportunity to use his extra extremity as a gimmick to bolster his faltering career.

Now that Marty has a little something, "extra". He is scouted by the inept talent agent, Jackie Chrome, who books Marty and Gus for a series of bizarre performances.

You'll just have to see what's in store for Dezzy the Three Armed Wonder Comic!

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In Conclusion:

This movie is deranged. And even that is an understatement. Every character is covered in a sweaty sheen, in a town that might as well be another planet.
That in itself makes this film such an enjoyable viewing experience (at least for me anyway, I know this film is pretty polarizing.) It's just odd, and the humor is off-kilter and dark.

This also has to be the billionth time I've seen Bill Paxton's pasty white ass.

If you enjoy bizarre, borderline sleazy, black comedies. You should check this film out, it can be purchased for a decent price (Between 4-7$)
I personally think this film is very underrated, but if geek show weirdness isn't your bag, you might want to go elsewhere for your chucks.

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

Fantastic Planet (1973)

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Review:

In this magical world, humans (known as Oms) are relocated to the bottom of the social ladder, and split into two groups; domesticated and non-domesticated. The domesticated Oms become no better then house pets, and their very existence is determined by their ability to entertain their captors (a super-intelligent alien race, know as the Draags.) Once taken in, the Oms are given special collars that make escape from the Draags nearly impossible, without the inevitability of death.

While the domesticated Oms are classified as expendable entertainment, the non-domesticated Oms emerge as a growing threat to the Draags existence. They reproduce at an alarming rate, and form nomadic tribes that travel in search of ways to liberate themselves from the Draags oppressive rule. Even though their oppressors tower over them, the Oms do not fear using violence to prove their dominance. And flourish on a savage planet with unforgiving landscapes and creatures that intend to destroy them.

The life of one particular Om (Terr) is examined, from his imprisonment as an infant, to his relationship with his owner, an unusually sympathetic Draag child, known as Tiwa. And the events that lead to his eventual escape with an object treasured by his masters. A device that the Draags wear, during meditation that infuses them with vital knowledge.

Once liberated from the Draags, Terr brings the sacred object to the attention of the non-domesticated Oms.

Looks like it's time for an uprising.

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In Conclusion:

Written by René Laloux, and directed by Roland Topor (who helped create the Panic Movement with Alejandro Jodorowsky and Fernando Arrabal) create an intriguing film, based on a sci-fi novel from the 50s. Beautifully illustrated, with a pseudo-psychedelic soundtrack. And creatures that could only be created by someone under the influence of mind altering substances.

This film is amazing!

Highly recommended!

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

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)

Kunoichi: Lady Ninja (1998)

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Review:

A clan of 7 holy women attempt to live amicable lives in a sacred convent. Their inherent special abilities remain dormant, until their home is threatened by a notorious gang of beastly men, endowed with strange powers. The "7 Beasts of Katoh" are sent by their nefarious leader Lord Aizu, to collect his object of interest. The clan's elder sister, Ochie. Who manages to escape Aizu and his harem of "kyoto dolls".

Many innocent bystanders are entangled in the slaughter. Giving the women no choice, but to give up their lives as brides of christ in order to awaken their abilities as ninjas. Their blood spattered habits are exchanged for the shinobi garb. And at the request of the convent's matriarch, the legendary ninja, Yagu Jubei is asked to assist the women in the art of espionage and combat so they can exact their own brand of vengeance.

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In Conclusion:

This film is definitely bizarre. The 7 women remind me of some live action incarnation from the mahō shōjo sub-genre in Japanese anime (a.k.a: Magical Girl or if you are unfamiliar with the term. Think Sailor Moon, but for deviants)

Unfortunately, except for our main protagonist Ochie, the rest of the women would be pretty expendable, where they not given unique special abilities (i.e: nipples that discharge bolts of lighting and vaginal openings capable of absorbing and retracting an enemies powers.)

All in all, the film is thoroughly entertaining. The visuals are eye catching, the arterial spray is bountiful and the unfolding story is weird enough to leave a lasting impression.

Just heed my warning and watch the film with subtitles, the english dubbing is fucking atrocious!

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

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

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Review:

Oh, Prom Night. A rite of passage for many, but for teenage femme fatale, Mary Lou Maloney, this night of splendor ends disastrously. When a prank pulled by her scorned lover ends in her demise. (Before she could even enjoy the glory of her bedazzled crown too, oh what a pity!). Now her vengeful spirit is left to roam the prop closet of her old stomping grounds...waiting for a nubile female body to possess.

30 years later......Vicki Carpenter is one of the hopeful nominees for Prom Queen 1987. And a recent dilemma, courtesy of her religious zealot mother, leads her to explore the cob-web ridden prop closet of her high school in an attempt to find a more suitable dress for the upcoming festivities.

She curiously tampers with a trunk containing mementos from Prom Night 1957 and unknowingly unleashes the malevolent spirit of the slain Prom Queen.

It's party time!

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In Conclusion:

Upon first glance, this does seem like typical 80s popcorn fodder. And to a certain degree it is, but I think the lack of pretension makes this a really fun viewing experience.

What I dig about this movie is that the film drops the slasher vibe of the first film, Prom Night (1980). And marries the creepiness of the demonic possession sub-genre with the mean spirited vibe of Carrie (1976).

It's derivative, but thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.

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

Survey Map Of A Paradise Lost (1988)

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Review:

He prefers his lovers bound, flesh obstructed by shiny black cord. Their bodies prone to his advances.

His time left in this world is short, he will be dead soon, but until then his last remaining wish is to explore his darkest desires. Rather then waste away entering computer codes at his boring desk job.

Two women play a considerable role in his downfall. From his drug addled wife, who can no longer enjoy the sensations of sex when her skin screams out for her to compulsively scratch at it. Or the call girl, known only as Midori # 33, who often romanticizes about falling to her death.

When a curious suicide hotline employee, finds himself involved with these various characters he will soon find out that they all have something in common; Secrets that are worth dying for.

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In Conclusion:

Hisayasu Sato's films are hard to describe, but they all make for unforgettably addicting viewing experiences.

Every scenario and character seems like they would only exist in a bizarre dream where misanthropy prevails. And the fetishistic sex only heightens the murkiness of this celluloid hallucination.

If you enjoy explorations into perversion, you should definitely give Hisayasu Sato's films a try. He was not christened one of the "Four Devils Of Pink" for nothing.

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

The Seventh Curse (1986)

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Review:

While on an expedition in Northern Thailand, Doctor Yuen is afflicted with a blood curse, when he brazenly interrupts a sacred ceremony held by a notorious worm tribe (know to offer human sacrifices to appease their eternal ancestor.) The sole purpose of his intrusion, is to save a beautiful maiden Betsy. Who is forcefully taken as an offering for the sacrament.

The curse is delayed for several years, before Yuen is made aware of it's presence. Oddly enough it surfaces while Yuen is enjoying the delights of a female guest. The strenuous activity causes an artery to burst in his leg. Setting off a painful chain reaction, where each day the curse is left disregarded another artery will explode, traveling up his body eventually leading to his demise.

Left with no choice but to return to Thailand. Yuen will embark upon an adventure leading to a heavily guarded statue, which contains the key component to reversing the curse.

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In Conclusion:

This oddball film, is a mish mash of many genres. From horror, to comedy (whether that is unintentionally caused by the questionable subtitles, is a decision to be made by the viewer.) to an almost Indiana Jones-esque adventure film. With plenty of martial arts action and nifty gadgets.

The film is thoroughly enjoyable, with a campy charm that is undeniable.

Need I also mention the above average gore and creature fx. My favorite being a murderous demonic fetus, which is conjured by using the blood of 100 children, amusingly titled the "little ghost spell".

If you wish to purchase this film, I recommend either the Fortune Star-Legendary Collection Version, with the silver slipcase. Or the Out of Print Universal Laser & Video version. Unfortunately both versions have the same poorly translated, albeit, hilarious subtitles.

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