Bloodtype Online

     Junko Miyazono returns in Quick-Draw Okatsu (1969), playing the capable daughter of a master samurai.  Directed by Nobuo Nakagawa, the famed director of the horror classic Jigoku, this is the Legends of the Poisonous Seductress trilogy’s first color installment.   

    Okatsu is a proud, fully trained female samurai, unlike her lazy brother Rintaro who quickly falls victim to a gambling loan scheme.  Having already angered the government by protecting enemies of the state (including a mini skirt clad swordswoman), Okatsu naively thinks she can protect her brother by turning herself in.  Of course, her plan doesn’t work and she winds up watching her father die a gruesome, torturous death before being raped. 

    Refusing to become the concubine of her well-connected rapist, she quietly plans her escape.  When opportunity knocks, she fights her way out of jail, slicing her captors to bits with a little help from her new mini skirt wearing friend.  Of course, Okatsu is ready for revenge, but wishes to check on her brother first.  Let’s just say that things don’t quite work out here either.  Okatsu ends up drugged and sold to a brothel.  In one of the film’s most interesting scenes, we are treated to a massive sword fight, which is shot from the outside of the brothel.  It actually is pretty fun to be able to see what everyone is doing at the same time--lots of chases, confused women, and chaos.   

    Okatsu’s bad reputation grows, leading the government guy to frame her for some more crimes, in the hopes that someone will stop her before she can kill him.  Throw in a greedy mob of vigilantes and a legendary bounty hunter and it’s a pretty daunting race to the end of the revenge finish line.  Expect plenty of quick, crisp fight scenes, more blood, more abuse, and an eyeball gouging good time. 

    Having nothing against black and white films, I hate having to admit that the color makes a huge difference. Sure, you get to see the bright red blood fly, but these are truly well-constructed films featuring amazingly detailed sets, beautiful kimonos, and the natural lush beauty of Japan.  I was pretty impressed with the way the film was shot, especially the brothel fight scene.  They really took this film seriously and were pushing themselves to find something new and different for their audience.  My only complaint is one shaky English translation early on--what exactly is a tax rice?  Maybe it’s a rice tax? 

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