Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41

『女囚さそり/第41雑居房』

In-Person Screening

Friday, March 4 at 7pm

50th Anniversary — Rare 35mm Presentation. Best recognized outside of Japan for her role as the mesmerizing, katana-wielding Lady Snowblood, Meiko Kaji’s equally definitive portrayal of the fearless convict Sasori (Scorpion) initially cemented her status as an icon of 70s exploitation. After a year in solitary confinement in a vicious women’s prison, Sasori has taken on a mythic stature among the prisoners. Escaping with an uncouth band of inmates, she leads the group while the prison’s sadistic guards follow in hot pursuit. The second film in Toei’s Female Prisoner Scorpion series, Shunya Ito’s fever dream sequel is recognized as the series’ best entry, bolstered by avant-garde tinged visuals, delirious violence, a fuzzy guitar score and, of course, Meiko Kaji’s fierce, steely-eyed performance of rage and vengeance.

Dir. Shunya Ito, 1972, 90 min., 35mm. With Meiko Kaji, Fumio Watanabe, Kayoko Shiraishi.