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)