Fairy in a Cage (1977) (DVD Review)
Directed By: Koyu Ohara
Starring: Naomi Tani, Hirokazu Inque
Rated: UR/Region: 1/16X9/Number of disc: 1
Available from Impulse Pictures
During World War II, the tyrannical Judge Murayama uses his military power to imprison and torture innocent people. Suspected of helping an anti-government movement, the lovely Namiji Kikushima (Naomi Tani) is captured, along with a local kabuki actor. Helpless and unable to escape, the two are subjected to a grueling series of tortures including rope bondage and physical assault. As the Judge and his evil assistant Kayo revel in their perverse fetishes, a new military recruit they’ve hired named Taoka may be the key to prisoners’ freedom. He loves Namiji and will do what he can to help her, even if it means betrayal to organize an escape!
Add this in with the long and growing even longer line of sexual shock films from the Nikkatu Collection. However, Fairy in a Cage, packs a bit more than just a really awesome name. This is one of the films in the collection that of course packs the sexual stuff, but there is also a very nice plot hidden between the sexual filled bondage moments. It doesn’t take a sharp eye while viewing this one to notice the very clear exploitation roots inside this film. The more potent plot and exploitation style is the likes of which makes for a perfect choice to be the first of the Nikkatu Collection to be given the Blu-ray treatment. Not that the DVD quality is bad or even really bad with the series, but you know the crew behind that will make it look good.
You can also tell while watching this film why it is such a celebrated thing to finally have it on DVD in the states. You will notice that we actually have some well-defined characters that come to life on screen with really good actors. Naomi Tani must have been a real trouble to be able to take part in the wild sexual acts and then still put on a good performance from the rest of the film and the more drama filled moments. What it all boils down to is, Fairy in a Cage, is a good film. It is a film that has a little bit of everything and pulls no punches. We need more films today to be in the same spirit as this.
– Removeable English Subtitles
– Liner Notes from Japanese Film Scholar Jasper Sharp
