Director Teruo Ishii's
cold, no-nonsense approach to sadistic behavior makes this film all the
more aberrant. Originally released as part of his Joys
of Torture series (1968-73), these projects were known as
"Ero-Gro" (Erotic Grotesque), a term still used today in Japan
to describe the most perverse of the S&M genre. In these films, the
reason for the torture isn't as important as the punishment itself. The
themes are decidedly misogynist with lots of whipping, stretching, strapping,
pierce, beating, thrashing and various stages of suspension, bondage,
incarceration, bastinado for any number of reasons. But without exception,
the victims are exclusively female.
"Inferno of Torture"
(original title: Tokugawa Irezumi-Shi: Seme Jigoku [Tokugawa Tattoo
History: Torture Hell])
opens and closes with multiple crucifixions and graphic tortures. Sandwiched
in-between is a plot dealing with enslaved prostitutes living in Edo's
Yoshiwara district. Besides turning the occasional trick, they are preoccupied
with their tattoos and an upcoming contest to decide which brothel has
the best.
A Japanese
film; widescreen 16:9, totally uncut version (95 min.), in Japanese language
with optional English subtitles, DVD encoded for WORLD FORMAT NTSC, playable
on any American machine. Extras include original theatrical trailer.
Nudity/Graphic
Violence/Rape/Sexual Brutality/S&M Activity/Torture:
For Mature Audiences Only