Much
could be written about the social ramifications of such a film and whether
rape should be tolerated as a suitable theme for a lampoon. While it's
true that there is nothing funny about sexual assault, there's nothing
funny about murder either. Yet, it's treated humorously in an untold number
of comedies.
Kindly Uncle Shotoku
complains to his nephew: "We can't trust politicians anymore. Embezzlements
and brides have become commonplace. That's why we're here." Then he adds
"Keep your penis strong." Uncle and nephew Keisuke run an underground
retribution company known as Rapeman Services, with the motto 'Righting
wrongs through penetration.' Clients
come to them with tales of humiliation or mistreatment at the hands of
a female. If the case warrants it and they accept the assignment, Rapeman
Services correct the injustice through a well orchestrated rape (performed
by hockey-masked Keisuke). "When the law is powerless, we will punish
the guilty," says Rapeman in the beginning of #2. Of course, they also
accept money for this service. The funds are used to help finance the
Sunflower Orphanage where Keisuke spent his youth. Click here for RAPEMAN
2.
Specifically, this
film (the first in the series) deals with numerous Revenge Rapes from
the assault of a young woman who bamboozled simpleton out of his life
savings to the rape of a corrupt politician's wife with ties to the Yakuza).
Both of the lead actors are entertainment veterans. Sakae Umezu (Uncle)
is a popular character actor who brings experience and dignity to this
arguably inelegant undertaking. But Hiroyuki Okita - a former teen-idol
pop singer - shines as the perfect Clark Kent choice for the Rapeman
role, mild-mannered school teacher by day, vigilante rapists by night.
The series came to an abrupt end with his death in the spring of '99 after
seven hit installments.
A Japanese
film with English subtitles; widescreen format, uncut version (84 min.),
DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC WORLD FORMAT, playable on any American
machine. Extras include trailers.
Sexual
Brutality/Violence/Rape/Nudity/Sexual Material:
Intended for Adult Audiences
