Search - School of the Holy Beast on DVD

Stylish, beautifully shot Asian take on Nunsploitation

Peter Cook | Auckland, NEW ZEALAND | 03/08/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After hearing much about this infamous picture over the years I finally obtained a copy and was pleasantly surprised on several levels - one it's nowhere near as controversial in content than some might suggest. The exploitation elements are there but almost tastefully presented - certainly far more so than in dozens of other Japanese 'Pink' or exploitation films of that period which were frequently way over the top in sadism and often unpleasant torture type scenarios.

"School of the Holy Beast" is a big budget film - beautifully photographed and top drawer in all departments - something this genre isn't always known for (*though Jess Franco's "Love Letters from a Portuguese Nun" would fit into that evaluation I believe). The cast are headed by the stunningly attractive and capable Yumi Takagawa in her first film. Among the extras on the DVD is a wonderfully frank and funny interview with the still gorgeous and utterly charming Takagawa where she explains her run ins with the director over nude scenes she hadn't been made aware of in the script. This video interview is really worth the price of admission alone as she is so utterly bemused that this film above all her other serious achievements later on is held up as her shining piece. A really sweet and delightful lady.

Definitely a must for fans of Jap-sploitation and such - with a lovely anamorphic transfer that nicely captures all of the great art direction and photographic compositions well. And hey, the title alone is fantastic and one of my all time favourite film titles - as is the ad art. A great show of it's genre."