This tale of revenge is simply breathtaking from start to finish. Rieko Ike plays Ocho, a pickpocket, gambler and swordswoman who after a chance encounter with a dying gangster sets out on the trail of the three people responsible for the death of her father, who we see murdered in the opening scene.
Director Norifumi Suzuki creates a visually stunning movie which utilises wild colour and expressive movement, nowhere more than early on where Ocho is attacked in her bath and proceeds to fight her assailants naked in the snow. Ike is amazing in this scene as she dances between the falling bodies of her foes, a particularly strong visual is where we can see only her blood splattered legs and shadow as she deals with her now obviously terrified adversaries.
Perhaps my only gripe about this movie is that there was not more swordplay by Ocho, as we have to wait until the end of the movie to see her fighting again. Multiple men fall to her sword as Suzuki creates amazing tension with his exciting use of colour and composition. Though Ocho is badly wounded, she lurches towards her goal with grim determination.
The final shot of the bloody Ocho staggering through the falling snow which turns into a shower of playing cards is one of the most memorable and beautiful in any movie and totally outstanding in a film of such a lowly & neglected genre.
Though scenes of sex and torture are present in the film, Suzuki handles these with great flair and style which makes this movie far more entertaining than the sequel 'Female Yakuza Boss'.
'Sex & Fury' is a 'must see' for any fan of exploitation cinema!
Director Norifumi Suzuki creates a visually stunning movie which utilises wild colour and expressive movement, nowhere more than early on where Ocho is attacked in her bath and proceeds to fight her assailants naked in the snow. Ike is amazing in this scene as she dances between the falling bodies of her foes, a particularly strong visual is where we can see only her blood splattered legs and shadow as she deals with her now obviously terrified adversaries.
Perhaps my only gripe about this movie is that there was not more swordplay by Ocho, as we have to wait until the end of the movie to see her fighting again. Multiple men fall to her sword as Suzuki creates amazing tension with his exciting use of colour and composition. Though Ocho is badly wounded, she lurches towards her goal with grim determination.
The final shot of the bloody Ocho staggering through the falling snow which turns into a shower of playing cards is one of the most memorable and beautiful in any movie and totally outstanding in a film of such a lowly & neglected genre.
Though scenes of sex and torture are present in the film, Suzuki handles these with great flair and style which makes this movie far more entertaining than the sequel 'Female Yakuza Boss'.
'Sex & Fury' is a 'must see' for any fan of exploitation cinema!