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Female Convict Scorpion - Jailhouse 41 [1972]
![Female Convict Scorpion - Jailhouse 41 [1972]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BwwJIu0VL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £15.99
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Editorial
Synopsis
Matsu, known as 'Scorpion', has been sent to prison through the evil manipulations of an ex-boyfriend. This is the second movie in the series where we come to learn that this tiny firecracker of a woman is full of strength, beauty and an honor which outshines her peers and the cage within which she's contained. FEMALE CONVICT SCORPION - JAILHOUSE 41 is one of the most famous and beloved Japanese exploitation films of the 1970s. Director Shunya Ito struck a delicate balance between art and trash and created one of the most ambitious, sleazy, and beautiful women in prison films ever made.
Stunning and unique
Review date: 2007-07-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
Please ignore the appalling comments by Mr Yau below. Jailhouse 41 is by far the stand out film in the Scorpion series and quite possibly the finest exploitation film made in the 70's.
It is mesmerising from start to finish, beautiful but often disturbing, with a jaw dropping (fuzz guitar) soundtrack. Oh, and it has quite simply the best freeze frame ending in cinema history as well.
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Reviews
Stylish, creative, cool cult classic
Review date: 2007-05-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
I felt compelled to write a review to even out the rating by a previous reviewer. Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion but it seemed like this individual did not understand the movie and his opinion has led to a skewed vision for those who have never seen any of the movies in the Prisoner series.
Meiko Kaji gives an absolutely burning performance of fiery intesnsity in this film, without even saying a word until the final reel. Everything is said through her eyes. She is Scorpion, an unjustly imprisoned woman continually fighting against the odds, the guards and the fellow prisoners in 1970's Japan. She and a group of prisoners oppertunistically escape and the sadistic guards and warden are soon in pursuit.
It may seem unlikely due to the subject matter but the film looks beautiful. The colours jump out at you and the cinematography is amazingly creative and also downright cool. I can't think of a more cult movie out there. It's also uncomprimising and not for those easily offended.
With the current hype around "grindhouse" movies I'm sure the name Scorpion will come up a little more often. It is the ultimate exploitation flick, but one which captures beautiful visuals, commanding performances and a true exploitation plotline which make it a stylised vision not to be missed. This film is an absolute gem.
The first movie in the series is also excellent.
Do not buy!
Review date: 2007-05-11 Rating: 2 out of 10
This maybe because it was produced back in 1972... or it was simply a badly made film. If you enjoy watching movies like Star Wars where you see collision effects, then don't buy this film. All you will see it a horrible cause and effect slide-show film.
It's rated 18 because at one point there's a naked male with a tree log thrusted through him... um. As for the description of lesbian and rape scene, it's not what you think. The 'rape' scene is fake. Everyone keeps their clothes on. The lesbian scene last for 5 seconds or so.
Action is poorly done. It feels like watching a slide-show rather than prisoners killing guards.
More Meiko Kaji Madness
Review date: 2007-03-21 Rating: 8 out of 10
Scorpion & her gang of female prisoners escape from the jailhouse & hide out on a giant garbage tip & prey on passing tourists.
The first 3 films in the "Scorpion" series are probably the quintessential Japanese exploitation cult movies of the late 60s / early 70s. This second film in the series is even more extreme than the first. In its stylised violence the film is influenced by Spaghetti Westerns (right down to the Morriconesque soundtrack) but the whole thing is pitched at an hysterical level of melodrama with pathological anti-authoritarianism & lots of graphic psycho-sexual horror, torture, sado-masochism - all of which is probably unique to Japanese culture in early 70s meltdown. Scorpion is not for the faint hearted or easily offended.
Despite the sleazy exploitation genre however, this is fantastic cinema & this film has even more impressive surreal pop art sequences than its predecessor (watch out for the ghostly old woman sequence & the use of traditional Japanese theatrical elements). Many scenes are visually stunning, with amazing expressionist cinematography. Meiko Kaji gives another remarkable performance, given that she acts almost entirely with her eyes, without dialogue or facial expression. When, towards the end of the film, she does finally speak five words (& laughs) the effect is positively cathartic. Scorpion: Jailhouse #41 is not for everyone but if you like cinema that makes your jaw drop then check this out.
A basic dvd edition with less than brilliant print. Leaflet with brief background essay enclosed.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Rie Yokoyama
Meiko Kaji
Creators:
Meiko Kaji (Primary Contributor)
Rie Yokoyama (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Eureka Entertainment
Manufacturer: Eureka Entertainment
EAN: 5060000402438
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2007-02-19
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 92 minutes
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: Japanese (Original Language)