Before I began watching "Yôen dokufuden hannya no ohyaku" I had no idea that there were sequels to this movie. However, as a result of seeing this exciting film, I am determined to find them. If you like film series like "Lone Wolf and Cub", then you should give these Ohyaku films a try.
The film starts with a jolt! You see a woman jump into the river with her baby--in an effort to drown both of them. However, the child survives and grows into Ohyaku--a beautiful woman who drives men wild. Not surprisingly, she hates all the slobbering pigs who try to assault her throughout the film and particularly hates powerful men who feel they can do anything to her or other poor folks simply because they are powerless. She is determined not to be a victim and as the film progresses, she becomes more and more violent in defense of her body--as well as taking on a crusade of revenge. I could say more about the plot but don't want to ruin it for you.
The film features a lot of crazy violence and sexual content for an older film. I am not saying it's necessarily gratuitous but the film is bloody and features things like lesbianism and beheadings (which, for 1968, are pretty realistic). But, it also features a lot of exciting fighting scenes and a complex and rewarding plot. Well done all around.
By the way, it's ironic that the film reminds me of the Lone Wolf films, as Tomisaburo Wakayama (Shintaro Katsu's brother) is one of the stars in the film. He played the Lone Wolf!
