Description
Title: Silent Prey (1997)
Alternate Title: Silent Predator
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Plot Synopsis:
Detective Sheila K. Fine, portrayed by Carol Shaya, is an NYPD officer assigned to go undercover as a student at an all-girls Catholic school to apprehend a serial rapist who has evaded capture. During her investigation, she uncovers deeper secrets involving murder and embarks on a complex journey through political, spiritual, and personal challenges.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Tom Avitabile
- Writer: Tom Avitabile
- Cast:
- Carol Shaya as Det. Sheila K. Fine
- Frank Pellegrino as Frank Cardelli
- Neal Jones as Kevin O’Neill
- Donna Mitchell as Sister Katherine
- Brian Belovitch as Mother Superior
IMDb Link:
Silent Prey (1997)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Rich Trash – ★★½
“Silent Prey stars former NYC police officer turned Playboy cover model Carol Shaya. She goes undercover at a Catholic school to stop a nun r4pist. This is listed as a comedy and really the only comedy can be credited to the bad acting throughout this flick.” -
Ryan Oliver – ★½
“Seems like one of those movies where the VHS distributor watched the first fifteen minutes and said, ‘Oh yeah, we can sell this’… The rest is a rather dull police procedural that hits all the typical beats poorly.” -
Derenzo – ★★★
“Woah, wait. Did they say nun r4pist? Twice? Yes. They did. And, conceptually speaking, yes there is. Well this was…interesting.”
Meta Description:
“Silent Prey” (1997), directed by Tom Avitabile, is a crime thriller featuring Carol Shaya as Detective Sheila K. Fine. Assigned to infiltrate a Catholic girls’ school to capture a serial rapist, she uncovers deeper conspiracies, leading her through a maze of political and spiritual dilemmas.
Title: Future Century Amazons (2017)
Alternate Title: 未来世紀アマゾネス
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction
Plot Synopsis:
In a post-apocalyptic world where radical feminism and the emasculation of men have led to societal collapse, the remaining humans reside in isolated settlements amidst vast lawless territories. One such enclave, Amazon City, views men primarily as a food source and for harvesting sperm from their severed testicles. Heterosexual reproduction is deemed perverse, making artificial insemination essential for survival. Following the assassination of the previous lead scientist by the Love Liberation Army, Dr. Maki Amamiya is recruited to continue the work. Unexpectedly, she arrives with her husband, challenging the city’s norms and igniting unforeseen consequences.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Naoyuki Tomomatsu
- Writers: Yûko Momochi, Naoyuki Tomomatsu
- Cast:
- Kyouko Maki as Maki Amamiya
- Ryô Asagiri as Shinji Amamiya
- Sasa Handa as Love Liberation Front Leader
- Miho Wakabayashi as Harue
- Maki Aoyama as Yukie
IMDb Link:
Future Century Amazons (2017)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Theo – ★★☆☆☆
“Only Tomomatsu would make something like this lmfao what. Also, the intro shows clips from his Lust of the Dead movies… so are these set in the same universe?? The commentary on male-dominated patriarchy was quite interesting though; a lot of his films mock toxic masculinity & incel beliefs, with this one being the most obvious satire of them. It was pretty entertaining with a small budget even for a Tomomatsu film, but had some cool scenes and the actresses were great! Saw quite a few of his regulars here. Overall, one fans will likely enjoy but nothing particularly special or interesting, one of his weaker films.” -
Stephen Kendall – ★★★½
“This Japanese pink film is a sort-of commentary on modern gender relations in the West, but I’m not sure what it’s trying to say. In this post-apocalyptic Japan, caused by radical feminism, women continue the trends that led to disaster. All the power groups that we see are matriarchal, and all men that we see are persecuted, abused, or killed. The special effects are great for such a low-budget film, and the acting of the mostly-female cast is awesome. The exploitation content (girl-on-girl s&x, acts of torture, etc.) is handled with enthusiasm. The problem in this vehicle-for-a-message film is that the message doesn’t really land the way they think it will. There aren’t enough male characters and none of them…” -
bandsaboutmovie – ★★☆☆☆
“I think director and writer Naoyuki Tomomatsu has some issues. I mean, who would make this movie? A film in which radical feminism has caused the downfall of civilization, with the few remaining humans living in various settlements with vast forbidden zones between them filled with mutant creatures, all while the warring female factions battle over their male cattle and remove their bloody scr0tums in ritualistic fashion to keep the human race alive? Indeed, who? Amazon City is one of the large cities left, a place where men are more than a source of, well, balls. They’re also canned and given to the women for food. The Love Liberation Army wants to return to the days when man and woman…”
Meta Description:
“Future Century Amazons” (2017), directed by Naoyuki Tomomatsu, is a Japanese comedy-horror-science fiction film set in a dystopian future where radical feminism has led to societal collapse. The story follows Dr. Maki Amamiya’s arrival in Amazon City, exploring themes of gender dynamics, survival, and rebellion.
Title: Lady in the Sea of Blood (1997)
Alternate Title: 血の海の美女 (Chi no Umi no Bijo)
Genre: Horror
Plot Synopsis: “Lady in the Sea of Blood” is a Japanese horror short film that was previously considered lost. The film features a woman engaging in a prolonged scene where she pours and smears blood over herself in a shower setting. The minimalist approach focuses on the visual and thematic elements of gore and ritualistic behavior, offering a unique exploration of fetishistic themes within Japanese horror cinema.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Okimoto
- Writer: Okimoto
IMDb Link: Lady in the Sea of Blood (1997)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Taylor Heider – ★½ “Absolutely nothing happens. Which one of you weirdos is jacking off to this woman rubbing ketchup all over herself and her bathroom? Yes I am going to watch all of these if I ever find them because I am insane but no it is not good.”
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Blade Brown – ★ “Do you like to watch a single person roll around in fake blood mixture naked in the shower? Boy do I have a movie for you.”
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☥ skylar ☥ – ★★ “Fun and cute <3 runs a little long for what it is, but you’ll never EVER catch me hating on a diva rolling around in blood and giving her best evil laugh! Call it what you want but all I see is a woman having a blast playing with some fake blood and I think that rules.”
Meta Description: “Lady in the Sea of Blood” (1997) is a Japanese horror short film directed by Okimoto. Once thought lost, the film presents a provocative exploration of gore and fetishism, featuring a woman engaging in a ritualistic blood-soaked performance. Its minimalist and controversial content has sparked varied reactions among viewers.
Title: Autumn Born (1979)
Genre: Drama
Plot Synopsis: “Autumn Born” centers on Tara Dawson, a wealthy 17-year-old orphan poised to inherit her family’s financial empire upon turning 18. Her uncle, Grant Dawson, fearing her impending control, orchestrates her kidnapping. Tara is taken to a clandestine “school of discipline” led by the stern Victoria Morgan. There, she endures psychological and physical torment designed to break her will and compel her to relinquish her inheritance. The film delves into themes of control, manipulation, and the dark facets of human nature.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Lloyd A. Simandl
- Writers: Sharon Christenson, Shannon Lee, Ihor Procak
- Cast:
- Dorothy Stratten as Tara Dawson
- Ihor Procak as Philippe
- Nate MacIntosh as Grant Dawson
- Jocelyn Fournier as Monica Freeman
- Roberta Weiss as Melissa
IMDb Link: Autumn Born (1979)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Dave – ★½ “I watched Star 80, so down the rabbit hole of Dorothy Stratten films we go. A tragically short filmography, easy to complete. And this not a film in any way you could possibly think of the craft. Deserves to be erased from all media and never seen again. Dorothy is trying her hardest though. I can see why Bogdanovich thought she was worth a chance in mainstream flicks (other than the obvious).”
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Daniel Zynda – ★ “„Autumn Born“ (1979), einer der wenigen Filme mit Dorothy Stratten, Playboy’s Miss August 1979 und Playmate des Jahres 1980. Jenem Playmate das durch ihre tragische Geschichte eins der beruehmtesten aller Zeiten werden sollte. Im August 1980 wurd sie von ihrem Ehemann erschossen, er erschoss sich gleich danach. Sie wollte es alles. Auch im Kino. Obwohl ohne jegliches schauspielerisches Talent kam sie schnell zu Rollen (wie nur? :D). Und hier erleben wir sie in ihrer ersten Hauptrolle. Gleich in einem schockierenden Drama. Story: Irgendwelche Leute entfuehren sie um sie um sie zu disziplinieren, weil sie zu oft einkaufen ging. Dann haengt die da eingeschlossen in einem langweiligen Zimmer ab und verpasst jeden SALE in den Modegeschaeften. Also, Frust hoch 1000. Wird…”
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lifestinxvx – ★★ “The most genetically perfect female in the whole universe” -TV Guide So maybe TV Guide was being a little bit overzealous with that blown out statement, but goddamn, Dorothy Stratten was a sight to behold. But anyway, Autumn Born (I have no idea what this title is referring to besides the fact the theme song says it–maybe I missed some key dialogue?) is pure Strattensploitation 42nd Street nastiness with young, rich Tara (Dorothy) being kidnapped…”
Meta Description: “Autumn Born” (1979) is a Canadian drama directed by Lloyd A. Simandl. The film follows Tara Dawson, portrayed by Dorothy Stratten, a young heiress who is kidnapped and subjected to a harsh “school of discipline” as part of a scheme to strip her of her inheritance. The narrative explores themes of control, manipulation, and the extremes of human behavior.
Title: Dorothy Stratten: The Untold Story (1985)
Genre: Documentary
Plot Synopsis:
This documentary delves into the life of Dorothy Stratten, Playboy magazine’s 1980 Playmate of the Year, who was tragically murdered by her husband, Paul Snider. The film explores Stratten’s rapid rise to fame, the complexities of her personal relationships, and the circumstances leading up to her untimely death. It features rare footage from her early photo shoots and interviews with those who knew her, providing an intimate look into her life and legacy.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Marshall Flaum
- Writer: Marshall Flaum
- Cast:
- Dorothy Stratten as Self (archive footage)
- Peter Bogdanovich as Self
- Hugh Hefner as Self
- James Caan as Self
- Joseph Campanella as Narrator (voice)
IMDb Link:
Dorothy Stratten: The Untold Story (1985)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Michael_Elliott – ★★★½
“Extremely entertaining and detailed look at the life, career and eventual murder of Dorothy Stratten. Through interviews with Stratten and her friends and co-workers we learn about her quick rise to stardom and her eventual fall.” -
Kubrickosawa – ★★½
“Watched directly after Star 80 and was disappointed. The Video Archives episode on the film is much better. Only good thing I could say is it made me realize it is not worth watching the TV movie made about Dorothy. Sad story worth reading up on.” -
eraserhead baby’s nanny – No Rating
“i understand that her life is short and most of what is exhibited is archives from her work and whatnot, but i feel like this would have benefitted from maybe have people in her life talk about what kind of a person she was instead of just biographical info about her set to footage of her naked”
Meta Description:
“Dorothy Stratten: The Untold Story” (1985) is a documentary directed by Marshall Flaum that examines the life and tragic death of Dorothy Stratten, Playboy’s 1980 Playmate of the Year. Featuring rare footage and interviews, the film provides an intimate look into Stratten’s rise to fame and the events leading to her untimely demise.
Title: Don’t Look Up (1996) Ghost Actress
Alternate Title: 女優霊 (Joyû-rei)
Genre: Horror
Plot Synopsis: On the set of a wartime drama at an old movie studio, young director Toshio Murai strives to complete his debut film. The production faces continuous disruptions due to eerie occurrences, leading the cast and crew to believe the set is haunted. As Murai delves deeper, he uncovers a chilling history of the studio, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The film explores themes of obsession, the supernatural, and the impact of past tragedies on the present.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Hideo Nakat
- Writer: Hiroshi Takahashi
- Cast:
- Yûrei Yanagi as Toshio Murai
- Yasuyo Shirashima as Hitomi Kurokawa
- Kei Ishibashi as Saori Murakami
- Ren Osugi as Ootani
- SABU as Sekikawa
IMDb Link: Don’t Look Up (1996)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Zara – ★★★☆☆ “haha no don’t get murdered we gotta finish my movie ahaha”
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Gᴀᴜᴛᴀᴍ – ★★★½ “A low-budget J-horror film that, despite its modest visuals, creates an eerie world through its settings, a creepy atmosphere, and a strange tone that genuinely feels scary.”
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Dr. Ethan Lyon – ★★★★☆ “The story of a film being made within a film is kept engaging without overly complicating it, and both narratives hold up well for most of the runtime.”
Meta Description: “Don’t Look Up” (1996), directed by Hideo Nakata, is a Japanese horror film that follows director Toshio Murai as he confronts supernatural events disrupting his film production. The movie delves into themes of obsession and the lingering effects of past tragedies.
Title: Chaos (2000)
Alternate Title: カオス (Kaosu)
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Plot Synopsis: A handyman, Kuroda, becomes entangled in a kidnapping scheme with Satomi, the wife of a wealthy businessman. She consents to being tied up and confined in his house while he sends a ransom demand. However, upon returning home, Kuroda finds her dead on the floor. Panicking, he buries her body in the woods and attempts to resume his normal life. Days later, he believes he sees her walking down the street, leading him to question his sanity and the reality of the events. The film explores themes of deception, reality, and the unforeseen consequences of one’s actions.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Hideo Nakata
- Writer: Hisashi Saito
- Cast:
- Masato Hagiwara as Kuroda
- Miki Nakatani as Satomi
- Ken Mitsuishi as Komiyama
- Jun Kunimura as Inspector
- Yūna Natsuo
IMDb Link: Chaos (2000)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Rafael “Parker!!” Jovine – ★★★☆☆ “Before releasing what would become probably his second best known film, Hideo Nakata offers us with an interesting film that at first appears to deal with ‘kidnapping’ and the conflicts between social classes, only to rapidly grow into a plot full of mysteries where you’ll spend your time trying to figure out what is occurring.”
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Ziglet_mir – ★★★½ “The number one rule of being a wild card:”
Meta Description: “Chaos” (2000), directed by Hideo Nakata, is a Japanese crime-mystery thriller that follows Kuroda, a handyman who becomes involved in a kidnapping plot with Satomi, a businessman’s wife. After her apparent death and mysterious reappearance, Kuroda’s perception of reality unravels, delving into themes of deception and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
Title: Dialogue (1992)
Alternate Title: 「堕落」～ある人妻の追跡調査～
Genre: Drama
Plot Synopsis:
A man hires a private investigator to find proof of his wife’s infidelity. However, his true intention is to set her up, divorce her, and remarry in America with his boss’s daughter. As the investigation unfolds, unexpected consequences arise, leading to a complex web of deceit and manipulation.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Akio Jissoji
- Writer: Akio Jissoji
- Cast:
- Keiko Kaga
- Katsumi Muramatsu
- Masami Horiuchi
- Kōen Okumura
- Etsushi Toyokawa
IMDb Link:
Dialogue (1992)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Aberrant Ghoul – ★★★½
“A pinku thriller from an Ultraman director. A husband hires a PI to catch his wife cheating, but the PI blackmails her into the s&x trade. Slow-paced but well-directed, with a surprising twist.” -
david c. porter – ★★★★
“Jissoji goes FULL Lang mode – bitter, paranoid, and remorseless. Criminally underrated.” -
My God’s kitten – ★★★
“Slow to get to the titillating parts, but the backstabbing and slapping made up for it. Thought it was made-for-TV at first!”
Meta Description:
“Dialogue” (1992), directed by Akio Jissoji, is a Japanese drama that explores the intricate schemes of a man plotting to frame his wife for infidelity to facilitate a new marriage. The film delves into themes of deception, manipulation, and the unforeseen consequences of one’s actions.
Title: Fear, Anxiety & Depression (1989)
Genre: Comedy
Plot Synopsis: Ira Ellis, a neurotic and struggling playwright in New York City, faces a series of personal and professional challenges. As he navigates the city’s avant-garde art scene, Ira’s interactions with eccentric friends, complicated romantic entanglements, and his own insecurities lead him through a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and artistic pursuit. The film satirically explores themes of ambition, identity, and the often absurd world of creative expression.
Cast and Crew:
- Director: Todd Solondz
- Writer: Todd Solondz
- Cast:
- Todd Solondz as Ira Ellis
- Max Cantor as Jack
- Alexandra Gersten as Janice
- Jane Hamper as Junk
- Stanley Tucci as Donny
- Jill Wisoff as Sharon
IMDb Link: Fear, Anxiety & Depression (1989)
Reviews from Letterboxd:
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Scumbalina – ★★★☆☆ “An interesting early work from Solondz. You can see the seeds of his later, more refined dark comedies.”
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ChrisL – ★★☆☆☆ “While it has its moments, the film feels disjointed and lacks the sharpness of Solondz’s subsequent projects.”
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FilmFanatic – ★★★☆☆ “A satirical take on the struggles of an artist in NYC. Not his best, but worth a watch for fans.”
Meta Description: “Fear, Anxiety & Depression” (1989) is a comedy directed by Todd Solondz, featuring his portrayal of Ira Ellis, a struggling playwright in New York City. The film offers a satirical look at the challenges of artistic ambition and personal relationships within the city’s eclectic art scene.
