Runtime: 80 minutes
Directed by: Yasuharu Hasebe
Starring: Akiko Wada, Meiko Kaji, Koji Wada, Tatsuda Fuji, Bunjaku Han
From: Nikkatsu
This is a cult movie I saw Monday night. It was pretty entertaining, as I explained below:
For awhile now I have known of the series either known as Stray Cat Rock or Alleycat Rock; as those five movies are all on Amazon Prime, this was the time for me to take the plunge. Indeed, an early 70's series of movies about a female gang sounded quite groovy to me, and at least with this first movie in the series it was.
The plot involves the Alleycats, who dress like hippies but aren't all about peace and love; they are eager not only to get into knife fights with other women but they brawl with the men too. Uber-tough Ako (who typically rides on a motorcycle) hangs out with them. They get involved with some right-wing young punks-who are affiliated with the Yakuza-as one of their boyfriends wants to join the group. There's also a boxing match at Korakuen Hall-don't ask how I recognized it-that is to be fixed but you can probably guess how those plans turn out, and there's trouble.
This pulpy movie is pretty entertaining-even if uneven at times-as you see a bunch of cool characters do cool things, and there is still the novelty of seeing women beating up men. Plus, even back then the Shinjuku district was a hotspot so you get to see multiple scenes of the girls at nightclubs, listening to various bands perform. As Ako was played by singer Akiko Wada, no surprise that she sings songs too. This movie is simply pretty cool. Also, the way it's shot was hip for the time. Frequently you'll see the camera move about to and fro. For the most part that was fine; the opening credits could at times be like watching a Paul Greengrass or Olivier Megaton movie, but otherwise... there are also random moments like slow motion, split-screen, flashing colors, and what have you. I am glad this was as groovy as I expected.
I understand some of the sequels were even better. One day I'll watch those; at least now I know what the series is all about.
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