IMDb Picks: Our Favorite Crime Movies, TV Shows, and Documentaries32 of 33
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion | Available to Stream on Shudder, Tubi, and AMC+; Available to Rent on Prime Video
Plot: After being used and betrayed by the detective she had fallen in love with, young Matsu is sent to a prison full of sadistic guards and disobedient prisoners.
Our Take: Even if you're not familiar with the Female Prisoner Scorpion saga, perhaps you've seen its star, Meiko Kaji, in cult movies like Lady Snowblood or the Stray Cat Rock series. While the exploitation levels border on the severe at times in the film, there's a rugged artfulness to Kaji's performance that shows the integrity of so-called "pink cinema." Plus, its sequel, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41, might be even better than its predecessor. Double plus: despite a handful of offers throughout her career, Kaji said no to Hollywood at every turn. — Arno
Plot: After being used and betrayed by the detective she had fallen in love with, young Matsu is sent to a prison full of sadistic guards and disobedient prisoners.
Our Take: Even if you're not familiar with the Female Prisoner Scorpion saga, perhaps you've seen its star, Meiko Kaji, in cult movies like Lady Snowblood or the Stray Cat Rock series. While the exploitation levels border on the severe at times in the film, there's a rugged artfulness to Kaji's performance that shows the integrity of so-called "pink cinema." Plus, its sequel, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41, might be even better than its predecessor. Double plus: despite a handful of offers throughout her career, Kaji said no to Hollywood at every turn. — Arno
PeopleMeiko Kaji