Blu-ray Review: VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON (1982)

 

VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON
Written & Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 Just like the rise of the Cannibal films of the early 80's, another popular exploitation sub-genre was at it's peak....the women in prison films.   There are a multitude of titles, but one of the best is Bruno Mattei's VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON, also known by the other titles CAGED WOMEN and EMANUELLE IN PRISON.   If you are a fan of the EMANUELLE films, then you will realize why it has that alternate title and it fits perfectly into the BLACK EMANUELLE series of films.  Why the title changed to VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON is beyond me.   The amazingly beautiful Laura Gemser  once again stars as "Black Emanuelle" in this film that is a must see for fans of the EMANUELLE series.

  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  In an over-the-top career filled with cannibals, zombies, nuns and Nazis, only EuroSleaze maestro Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL, SHOCKING DARK) – along with frequent collaborators/co-writers Claudio Fragasso and Rossella Drudi (TROLL 2, ZOMBIE 3 and 4)  – could take the BLACK EMANUELLE series to such insane depths of depravity: When Emanuelle (the legendary Laura Gemser) goes undercover in a penitentiary, she will endure a nightmare of sadistic guards, voracious lesbians, rat attacks, feces fights and enough graphic mayhem for a dozen women-in-prison trash epics. Gabriele Tinti (EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS), Lorraine De Selle (CANNIBAL FEROX) and Franca Stoppi (BEYOND THE DARKNESS) co-star in this “classic of exploitation” (Yell Magazine) – also known as CAGED WOMEN and EMANUELLE IN PRISON – now featuring a 2k scan from an uncensored inter-positive.

  If you have seen other "Women in Prison Films", also known by the inits WIP, you know exactly what to expect here.   WIP films are a mixture of soft-core eroticism, mixed with gore and torture of the inmates, usually ending with the inmates getting their revenge on the wicked warden and guards that administered the torture to them.   VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON pretty much follows that same pedigree, although there was not as much gore as in other WIP films.   The small amount of gore was good and effective though, especially when Emanuelle is thrown in solitary confinement which looks pretty much just like an old cave.  It is filled with nasty black rats that gnaw on her legs, body and face.  I couldn't help but wonder if actress Laura Gemser was actually scared of rats, because she looks absolutely terrified in this scene.   It looks like actual fright and panic on her face, and if it wasn't, then it was one of the best acting performances I have ever seen!

  If you are a fan of WIP films, you will definitely want to check this one out.  Severin films is putting out a wonderful new DVD and Blu-ray edition that will be available May 8th.   You can pre-order these now from the links below.   Special features include the following:

*  Brawl In Women’s Block: Interview With Co-Director/Co-Writer Claudio Fragasso and Co-Writer Rossella Drudi
*  Archive Interview With Director Bruno Mattei
*  Radio Spot

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray