毒女 (1973)

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毒女 (1973)

The Kiss of Death

Reviewed by: mrblue
Date: 03/24/2010

Though western viewers primarily only know the Shaw Brothers studio for their kung fu and action films, they produced movies in every genre, including drama, comedy, musical, and, evidenced by this enjoyable slice of 1970's sleaze cheese, exploitation. The Kiss of Death doesn't go as far in the "naughty" bits department as many of its' modern counterparts, but fans of the genre will still find this to be a bloody good time.

Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: j.crawford
Date: 12/22/2009
Summary: solid exploitation

Prolific director Ho Meng-Hua presents a sleazy, grim slice of Hong Kong early 70's night life. Basically a female revenge movie, the scenario wastes no time getting down and dirty. Lo Lieh is pretty good as the damaged leading man. It's really Chen Ping who must carry the film and that's a daunting task for her. I got a kick seeing rubber-faced Hui Siu-Hung in one of his earliest screen appearances.

Reviewer Score: 6

Reviewed by: MrBooth
Date: 01/19/2004
Summary: 2.5/5

*** KISS OF DEATH: Another gritty piece of urban cinema, hampered by simplistic plot and weak action scenes.

Reviewer Score: 5

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy
Date: 11/08/2003
Summary: Ummm........

WEll u feel that this movie is some type of b explotation movie, with it's CAt 3 rating, some aspects i can see why. There is a sex scene and stabbing guys in painful places. I am assuming it is why has it's rating.

It's a typical rape and revenge movie. It's watchable but not that entertaining. The action is slow and the plot is very basic.

Nothing really to recommend unless you have nothing else to watch

6/10

Reviewed by: andras
Date: 09/20/2003
Summary: the 1973 version of HER VENGENCE

I'm happy to report that it is superior to its 1988 cousin.
Chen Ping stars as a factory worker who gets raped by 5 thugs (with names like Atom,Crocodile & Heroin) on the roof of an apartment building. She contracts VD,quits her job and all she wants to do is Revenge. She joins a night club which some of these thugs frequent. The club owner is Lo Lieh,a good hearted guy who teach the girl some cool self-defense moves. She shares a room with fellow club-girl named Yung Fei Hung (!) whose speciality is throwing deadly metallic cards around. After some brief training sequences, Cheng Ping (or "the Lady on the Roof" as she is known to her enemies) goes into action. The ending is nihilistic in the best HK tradition.
KISS OF DEATH is Class A exploitation film that will sure to please fans. It moves fast and does not shy away from either sex or violence. The cast is excellent for this type of film. Chen Ping is a beauty with interesting facial expressions (just check out those reaction shots) and Lo Lieh is cool as usual. The bad guys are a memorable bunch too, with just the right amount of nastiness.
The music score is wonderfully funky and should be listened in the highest volume possible. The use of Pink Floyd's "Careful with that Axe" in a scene is superb.
But credit goes to Ho Meng Hua for the excellent direction. Obviously influenced by the Japanese new-wavers of the time (Seijun Suzuki, Pink films..), the camerawork & 'scope compositions are consistently interesting and will be a surprise for those who expect a dodgy production. The use of colors are particulary impressive and hats off to Celestial for presenting it in such a wonderful shape (even on VCD).
Once again,this is highly recommended and I'm looking forward to some more Shaw sleaze!