Rape Climax: Skinning!

Synopsis

Rape Climax: Skinning! (1979), directed by Kōji Wakamatsu and featuring Minako Mizushima, is a provocative entry in the Japanese Roman Porno genre produced by Nikkatsu studios. The film explores dark themes encompassing psychological and physical domination, set against an intense and unsettling narrative backdrop. Known for its controversial content and extreme portrayals, it delves into the complexities of human desire and power dynamics, pushing the boundaries of cinematic taboos prevalent at the time. The film has been noted for its raw and stark visual style combined with a haunting score, encapsulating the tension and discomfort intended by the director. It is not a film for general audiences, but rather one that reveals much about late 1970s Japanese exploitation cinema and its approach to taboo themes.

Cast

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  Minako Mizushima

  Yuki Kitamura

• Megu Kawashima

  Sanae Yoshikawa

• Emi Tsukuba

  Emi Tsukuba

• Akira Sakai

  Osamu Maruyama

• Noboru Maro

  Nishida

• Midori Mori

  Michiko Kitamura

Reviews

Critical reception of Rape Climax: Skinning! is polarized, reflecting its challenging subject matter and explicit content. On IMDb, where it holds an average user rating around 5.2/10, viewers often note the film's disturbing themes but acknowledge its place in the exploitation genre's history. Some critics commend director Kōji Wakamatsu's audacity and the atmospheric tension he builds, with one Rotten Tomatoes user review highlighting "a raw and unflinching portrayal of a dark psychological journey." However, professional reviews are scarce, partly due to the film's limited international release and niche appeal. The film's depiction of sexual violence has drawn sharp criticism for its intensity and perceived exploitative nature, making it controversial even among exploitation cinema enthusiasts. Metacritic does not list this title, reflecting its obscure status. Overall, critiques oscillate between acknowledging the film's artistic ambitions and condemning its explicit content, with a consensus that it's a polarizing cult piece that demands mature, informed viewership.