WARNING: This movie contains explicit material, and the screenshots below may not be suitable for anyone under 18.

"The more you hate me... the more you can't forget me."

Nami Matsushima (Meiko Kaji) was set up and betrayed by Sugimi (Natsuyagi Isao), the man she loved. In a fit of rage she attempts to kill him and was arrested. Now she faces horny sadistic guards and crazy women inmates whose sole purpose is to make her life a living hell. But nothing will get in the way of Nami Matsushima's revenge.

What can I say? It's a 70s Japanese exploitational women's prison movie, and a very good one at that.

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion is the first film of the Scorpion series. It's your basic exploitational women's prison movie with your 70s campiness, rape, lesbian sex, and boobies. What makes this particular one stand out is its wonderful style and character depth. You care about these people and don't want any harm to come to them. Sadly, harm does come... a lot. Matsu is beaten, raped, burned, abused in all sorts of ways, but that doesn't keep her from giving her abusers a nice little smile afterwards just to piss them off. The story is fairly basic, but wonderfully told through unique artful flashbacks. I have never seen a rape scene that I was both disgusted and in awe at the same time. The flashbacks help you understand how much hatred Matsu has in her heart. That poor woman was put through way too much throughout the course of the film.

The only complaints I have aren't really complaints, and can be chalked up to the fact that it is dated. The acting was a bit cheesy, and everyone yells... EVERYONE... except Matsu who has about 3 lines in the entire movie. None of this is a bad thing, but anyone who is not used to this might be turned off. It's a gritty movie, so don't expect happy go lucky feelings while watching. You will hate most of the men and women in this movie. To tell you the truth I don't really understand why almost everyone in the movie hates Matsu... I guess no one likes the quiet ones.

First, let me get this out: Meiko Kaji (Nami Matsushima/Scorpion) is my hero, I love her to death. Most of the movie she just stares and doesn't say much, but the emotions she expresses are intense. You can see everything in her eyes. Not to mention she is beautiful and just... awe inspiring. Ok, I have an obsession (and a WoW character named after her) so I'm a bit biased. Yayoi Watanabe (Yukiko Kida) plays Matsu's friend, and the only one she truly trusts. She's not in it much, but did a good job nonetheless. Isao Natsuyagi (Sugimi) played his part at being a completely despicable bastard. The the guards do their best to be disgusting, and the women do their best to be complete bitches.

The directing and cinematography was awesome and very artfully done. Far better than what I expected out of a movie from this genre. It was very beautiful yet still gritty and gross at the same time. The score fit the movie perfectly and Meiko Kaji herself sung the intro song.

I loved Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion... a lot. Of course, I love 70s Japanese exploitation films AND I'm in love with Meiko Kaji. But besides the obsession, I really do believe this is a very well made film. The directing is wonderful, the acting is great--everything is great. As with every movie, it's not for everyone. Despite the wonderful style and imagery, it is still a 70s exploitational women's prison movie and there are many illogical things you let slide due to its age. It is still a gritty film with plenty of rape scenes, abuse, boobs, naked bodies, and at least one lesbian scene. I loved every minute of it!

Favorite Scenes: (stole idea from Barb, bwahahaha)
~ The flashback rape scene. Though sad, I loved how it was shot. So cool!
~ The shower scene cracks me up every time.
~ The lesbian scene. You get her, Matsu!
~ And of course, Matsu's sweet, sweet revenge! I absolutely loved every moment of it!

Things I learned from Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion:
1) Both men and women are AWEFUL.
2) There is no need to cover your exposed boob hours after a rape once you've tracked down the guy responsible. Just a cape is needed, which you will throw off right before you attack.
3) You can pull a blanket out from under someone with your teeth.
4) When women are pissed their hair has a mind of its own.
5) Meiko Kaji is hot in all black.

Extra Tidbits:
* This was one of the many movies that influenced Quentin Tarantino to make Kill Bill.
* If you thought the intro song sounded familiar, that's because it was used in the Kill Bill soundtrack.
* If you liked the intro song by Meiko Kaji, then check out her album Zenkyoku Shu.
* Meiko Kaji is my hero.

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion is available to buy at the following vendors:
 

Or you can also buy the box set (which includes the first, third, and fourth movies) at Amazon or YesAsia.