Customer Reviews

Legends Of The Poisonous Seductress #3: Okatsu the Fugitive

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great samurai (chambara/jidai-geki) film, filled with loads of swordplay, villainy, and heroism. I'm quite confused as to why the film distributors labeled this film as "pinky violence." Those seeking "pinky violence" will be quite disappointed, as this film is no more "pinky violence" than any of a score of regular samurai films.

The hero of this film is a samurai swordswoman on the path of revenge to avenge the death of her parents by corrupt clan members. Miyazono Junko is fabulous as the expert swordswoman O-Katsu. After her parents' torture and deaths, she wanders the countryside seeking vengeance and, on the way, uses her flashing sword to save helpless people from various villains. Great film, especially for those (such as myself) who are tired from the weeping, wafting, helpless females that infect too many films all over the world. O-Katsu provides an example of a strong woman who can take care of herself as she seeks righteousness.

I happened to buy all three of the Okatsy movies, partially based on positive reviews, and the third one definitely was unnecessary to make or watch. Okatsu gets raped (again), and manages to lose another set of parents (again), which, in Oscar Wilde's words, smacks of carelessness, and we get to see more of Junko Miyazono's poorly choreographed sword play.
The costumes are surprisingly good, the make-up has the usual shortcomings for Japanese movies of the period. If it is porn you are after, there is nothing to see. If you want to see good swordplay, get a movie with Toshiro Mifune, but this is just Japanese trash, just like the rest of the pinky violence series.

Okatsu The Fugitive is the final chapter of the Leagends Of ThePoisonous Seductress trilogy. Okatsu now finds herself a wanted woman from various samurai clans. Along the way, she befriends a trusting swordsman and together, they fought and slew Okatsu's enemies. I recommend the entire three-part DVD set to any fan of classic Japanese bad-girl films.