ROPE AND SKIN is a bit of a departure from the typical Nikkatsu pinku fare. Based on the title, I was expecting another shibari and torture-fest - instead, ROPE AND SKIN is more of an answer to Toho's famous LADY SNOWBLOOD films. More action-oriented than most Nikkatsu films, this one successfully combines the elements of a solid revenge tale, and still delivers the sleazy elements that pinku fans have come to love.
Okoma is a yakuza card dealer who decides to "retire" from the life. After the main clan boss is assassinated, a rival gang takes over and starts putting pressure on the town. They single out the old boss's daughter and her restaurant business (who Okama is now working for upon her retirement) and when the old boss's daughter is tricked into signing her business over to the rival clan leader and is forced into work as a prostitute, Okoma takes it personal. Okoma attempts to free the old boss's daughter, but this fails and results in Okoma's capture and subsequent abuse, and is also put in "training" as a prostitute. An old friend of Okoma's comes to her aid, but is killed during the ensuing battle. Ultimately, through the efforts of Okoma and her friend, the old boss and his daughter are avenged, but at the expense of everything that Okoma cared about...
Far more story-driven than most Nikkatsu entries, ROPE AND SKIN is a bit of a departure from the typical "raped and bound girl" story lines that Nikkatsu pinku entries normally follow. There's still a good bit of sleaze, though you have to wait a little while for it - but the storyline in this film is strong, and the action is well-done. Fans of films like LADY SNOWBLOOD and the LONE WOLF AND CUB films may take special interest in ROPE AND SKIN, as it's a similar concept, but still has Nikkatsu's sleazy finger-prints on it. A solid film all-around, recommended to fans that don't mind a little bit of storyline and action mixed in with their exploit films...8/10
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