Films · reelscum

1970 · Japan · 86m

Meiko Kaji before Toei, leading a girl gang through Nikkatsu's coolest delinquent picture.

1969 · Japan · 99m

Suppressed by Toei for decades. Butoh dancing, an island, and total delirium.

1974 · Japan · 88m

Toei's red-coated killer cop, and the blueprint for every lone avenging woman after her.

1969 · Japan · 84m

Masumura, one set, three actors, and an ending that goes much further than expected.

1972 · Japan · 90m

Ito's second, and the most formally daring film in the whole category.

1972 · Japan · 84m

Norifumi Suzuki at full speed. Reiko Ike is the whole show.

1973 · Japan · 87m

Ito's last. Kaji drags a severed arm through Tokyo in the opening minutes.

1974 · Japan · 91m

The Japanese entry, and formally the most accomplished of them.

1973 · Japan · 88m

The naked snow swordfight. Everyone remembers it; the rest is decent Meiji melodrama.

1973 · Japan · 89m

The title is the pitch. Delivers on it with unusual formal care.

1972 · Japan · 87m

Sold as a women-in-prison quickie. Shot like an art film. Meiko Kaji barely blinks.

1973 · Japan · 97m

Where Kill Bill got most of its ideas, including the snow.