Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (1973) - September 12, 2018

Well folks, this is it! What is it I'm talking about? Well, on today's edition of Phil's Shudder Picks, I'm going to review the final film in the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION series! Yes my friends, all good things do come to an end. So let's not waste another minute, and let me tell you all about the final chapter of this immensely beloved franchise entitled FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG.

Original Japanese Poster (1973)

The film's official synopsis: The final film in the series, FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (from director Yasuharu Hasebe; RETALIATION, MASSACRE GUN), shows a gentler side of Scorpion. When Nami falls in with Kudo, an ex-radical suffering from physical and psychological trauma caused by police torture, the pair become political rebels.

The film surprised me in several ways. The first being that we see a side of Nami that we haven't seen before. Actress Meiko Kaji brings a vulnerability to Nami that we really haven't seen since the first film, However, this doesn't last long, and at the end of the film, she becomes the Nami that we know and love!

Now, I'm debating on telling you how this movie ends. I'm not a big fan of spoilers, but the movie is 45 years old. If you haven't seen these films yet, for shame. Anywho, Nami kills the corrupt cop and Kudo. There, I said it! But it's pretty fucking sweet how it all went down!

As I said in my previous post, director Shunya Itō meant the franchise to be a trilogy. After he completed , he walked away from the series, even though the studio Toei Company had different ideas. Enter director Yasuharu Hasebe. Here, he gives a nice conclusion to the journey of Nami, even showcasing some cool exploitation compositions and set-ups that have become the trademark for Japanese grindhouse films of the 1970's. The overall effect is one that satisfies the hardcore fan of these type of genre films.

The Toei Company released the movie in Japan on December 29, 1973. What a way to close out the year!! The film wouldn't be available here in the states until Tokyo Shock released it on DVD in 2005. And then UK company released a 2K scan of the film as part of the Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection boxset.

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is a awesome conclusion to the original series of films!! While other companies have released their own film to the franchise, the original four films have earned their place in the annuls of cinema history! Now in the 21st century, old time fans and newbies can watch them all over again in the comfort of their home! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!