Review: Like me, perhaps you film fanatics have heard of the Japanese subgenre of Roman Porno. But also like me, you all have probably never bothered to tread in this genre for fear of corruption of your morals and values. Because of this “lack of interest” (fear), this type of films are rarely screened or even heard of on this side of the world; and rightly so, because these films contains so many taboos of cinema in any country’s standards. Regardless, these films may very well be the defining cinematic landscape of Japan in the 60’s and 70’s. The film company, Nikkatsu, even went so far as to halt all productions of other genres to devote all their films to Roman Porno. With so many films being produced, there was one series that seemed a step all the others. Merging erotic art with perplexing character studies, the ANGEL GUTS series perfectly encapsulates what the Roman Porno genre was all about.

The first film of the series is HIGH SCHOOL CO-ED. Right from the start of the film, we meet the three main characters. Rather than waste time and formally introduce them to us, director Chusei Sone shows us this gang of guys engaging in one of their favorite pass-times: robbing and raping. The scene that ensues is not only vulgar and disgusting, but it establishes what these hooligans think of women: as nothing but sacks of meat. It was comforting to know that the next hour or so of my life was going to be devoted to watching these despicable thugs engage in their atrocities. But then a monkey wrench is thrown at us.

Little did I know, I was about to experience what gave ANGEL GUTS its name. In the next scene, we see the gang leader, Kawasima, completely shoo away another male that was hitting on his young sister. What caught me so off-guard was the fact that his protectiveness of his sister was genuinely sincere. I just couldn’t shake off the fact that just two minutes ago, we were watching him rape an innocent victim. We later find out that he lives a double life as a factory worker and loving brother while also as a low-life motorcycle thug. Although almost primitive in a sense, this plot device is used to the films advantage.

Having seen the other ANGEL GUTS films, this one is probably the most gruesome in its execution. The violence portrayed in this installment is both raw and unnerving. In a dream sequence, Kawasima witnesses his companion brutally stabbing the genitals of a female victim. Although extreme in nature, these scenes of ruthless violence are few and far between. If you are a gore hound who wants his porn and gore in the same package, then this film is definitely not for you. Regardless of how disturbing they are, each act of violence serves a purpose to the overall story.

Rape is a central theme in all the ANGEL GUTS films. Being the first in the series, a rape scene marks the climax of the film. These scenes are usually viewed as misogynistic, but upon closer inspection, that isn’t the case at all. All the films were based on manga’s drawn by Takashi Ishii. In an interview, he stated that the title of Angel Guts comes from his belief in strong women. Although suffering through a traumatic and damaging event, Nami (the rape victim) picks herself up in a calm manner and bathes herself. In the midst of such chaos…she bathes herself. She wants to wash away the filth these men has bestowed upon her. This starts off the archetype of the “strong woman” in the series. Every negative characteristic is personified by the male characters in this series, while the female characters may suffer by being with the males, but in the end, they are the pure ones. Logic and sanity are traits that all the women of the series posses in one form or another. The men may try to corrupt it, but the women always prevail in their own ways.

ANGEL GUTS is not something I would recommend. However, I encourage everyone to witness these intricately-woven and complex morality tale. You can take comfort in knowing that although it may be the first film in the series, it is the most visually violent and disturbing one. Although the sequels are much better at conveying the message of the series, have no doubt, HIGH SCHOOL CO-ED is a visceral piece in Japanese cinema.