Seven Swords (China / Kong Kong / South Korea, 2005) – 3/5
I watched this with low expectations but it turned out pretty good. The pic looks fantastic from start to finish and never gets boring. The first half goes too fast, though, it’s only around the halfway when you start getting any grasp of the characters. It would be interesting to see Hark’s original, uncut version.
- TV
Vengeance is Mine (Hong Kong, 1988) – 2,5/5
Not to be confused with Shohei Imamura’s masterful serial killer film of the same title, this rape and revenge thriller is mostly notable for its cast. Sweet girl Rosamund Kwan isn’t the most obvious choise for the lead role. Derek Yee gives good support as a likable taxi driver. Otherwise the film is solid but not very memorable.
- HK LD
Time Adventure: zeccho 5-byo mae (Japan, 1986) - 1,5/5
A woman gets thrown into distant future (2001) in what is probably the first and last meisaku roman scifi film. The basic plot and some great wtf moments work, but there’s just too many uninteresting parts. It’s easier to ignore in the beginning but later the burden becomes too heavy.
- dvd / R2J
Shiofuki Ama (Japan, 1979) – 1/5
There’s some talent involved in this production, like cinematographer Nobumasa Mizunoo and assistant director Naosuke Kurosawa, but none of it is visible here. A weird flaw is that the subject, pearl diving and ama girls, are not really exploited as some idiot came up with an idea to set 90% of the film indoors.
- dvd / R2J
Kuikomu ama midarekai (Japan, 1982) – 1/5
If the amout of sex scenes would equal to film quality, Kuikomu ama midarekai would probably be one of Nikkatsu’s best movies. But since it doesn’t work like that, it’s actually one of their worst (hopefully, at least. And the storyline? Went to some other film. We only have shooting locations and actors here.
- dvd / R2J
Sengoku Rock: Female Warriors (Japan, 1974) - 1,5/5
Hasebe’s semi sequel to the Stray Cat Rock films, with the main difference being that this is a period film, meisaku roman production and, well, pretty much everything. Sountrack has it’s minor moments, but borrowals from Stray Cat Rock feel completely out of place. More mainstream oriented studios like Toho and Toei did similar films with less sex, better action, and far more success.
- dvd / R2J
Uresugita Chibusa: Hitozuma (Japan, 1973) – 2,5/5
Junko Miyashita as a housewife who discovers her husband has been unfaithful and decides to get even. But it’s all unexpectedly romantic, even sweet. Sone’s directing is audio-visually energetic, including some flashy disco scenes and music by gringo guitar and co. The early 70’s atmosphere is there, although at times it feels more like 60’s swing.
- dvd / R2J
Delinquent Girl Boss: Blossoming Night Dreams (Japan, 1970) – 4/5
Stylish, Stray Cat Rock inspired girl gang film with Toei’s most adorable female star, Reiko Oshida, in the lead. Great cast and good music. The last third is slightly weaker than what comes before, but doesn’t really harm the film.
- dvd / R1
Delinquent Girl Boss: Tokyo Drifters (Japan, 1970) – 3/5
Feels like a quick cash in on the success of the original, although that’s not to say it’s a bad film. In fact it’s quite an enjoyable film, there just isn’t much going on storywise between the great reform school opening and the violent ending.
- dvd / R2J
Delinquent Girl Boss: Ballad of Yokohama Hoods (Japan, 1971) – 4/5
Yukie Kagawa steals the show as a chick biker gang leader dressed in black leather. Thoroughly entertaining film with an awesome finale full of motorcycles, machine guns and samurai swords.
- dvd / R2J
Delinquent Girl Boss: Worthless to Confess (Japan, 1971) – 4/5
The best film in the series. Tsunehiko Watase returns to play the â€