kevin_robbins

I recently watched the Japanese exploitation film 🇯🇵 Nun in Rope Hell (1984) on a random streaming service. The storyline follows a confused nun, caught with a lover, who decides to seek refuge in a nunnery - only to discover that the priest there has devious bondage plans to "correct" her urges.

This film is directed by Katsuhiko Fujii (Skin of Roses) and stars Miki Takakura (Rope Torture), Asami Ogawa (Attacked!), Hiromi Yamaguchi (Colors of Sisterhood), and Hiroshi Unayama (High and Low).

Nun in Rope Hell is packed with nudity from start to finish. Highlights include an elite opening sequence, a wild car scene, a solid shower sequence, creative use of a remote control, and intense licking scenes. There's also plenty of masturbation depicted. The background sound effects are strong throughout, adding to the film's atmosphere. Overall, it's a showcase of creative bondage softcore concepts and devices.

In conclusion, Nun in Rope Hell delivers everything you would expect - and then some - from a female bondage exploitation film. I would score it a 7/10 and strongly recommend it if it's your kind of thing.

I recently rewatched Dreams (1990) on Prime. The film presents a series of short stories centered around the importance of one's relationship with nature, highlighting how it ties to good karma and good fortune. The premises are based on a series of recurring dreams from legendary director Akira Kurosawa.

As mentioned, Dreams is directed by the iconic Akira Kurosawa (Ikiru) and stars Mieko Harada (Ran), Chishu Ryu (Tokyo Story), Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York), and Tetsu Watanabe (Shin Godzilla).

This is such an emotional film for Kurosawa fans. The cinematography-especially the stunning natural backdrops-is breathtaking. The period attire, detailed depictions of different eras, and use of masks are masterful, and the creative use of smoke effects adds so much atmosphere. The mountain segment is beautifully crafted (even if it's quite sad), the soldiers' sequence is powerful, and the painting segment is impressively imaginative. The final village band scene always warms my heart, serving as Kurosawa's heartfelt goodbye to filmmaking. There's so much to appreciate here.

In conclusion, Dreams is a breathtaking finale to Kurosawa's career, offering a poignant message about nature and a heartfelt farewell to his audience. I would score it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently rewatched The Ring (2002) on Paramount+. The storyline follows a journalist who investigates an urban legend about a cursed tape that supposedly caused the deaths of four teenagers. As she digs deeper, both she and her son watch the tape, triggering a countdown to their own potential demise. She must unravel the mysteries behind the tape in order to save herself and her son.

This film is directed by Gore Verbinski (Rango) and stars Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive), Martin Henderson (Smokin' Aces), Brian Cox (Troy), and Daveigh Chase (Lilo & Stitch).

I have thoroughly enjoyed this movie every time I've watched it. The acting is excellent, with Watts delivering a strong, authentic lead performance. The child acting is solid as well and appropriately unsettling. A dark cloud of mystery hangs over the entire film, and Brian Cox makes for a convincing villain. The childhood flashback scenes are both incredible and heartbreaking, and the subplot involving the horses is very smartly woven in. The story pieces come together seamlessly, keeping your attention all the way through to a very well-executed ending.

In conclusion, The Ring is an elite remake of the classic Ringu that demands your attention. I would score it a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.