Decapitation of an Evil Woman
Decapitation of an Evil Woman

Decapitation of an Evil Woman

1977Movie62 minJapanese

An unusual blending of elements comes together in this crime story drawn from Japanese history. During the early Meiji period a number of “Dokufu” (Poison Women) committed a significant number of murders. These crimes were most often committed by wives on their husbands in order to be together with their lovers. At that time women were executed in the same manner as men, to wit: by being decapitated. This is the story of the most notorious of all, Takahashi Oden who, in 1879, was the last woman executed by decapitation in Japan.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes35%
Metacritic42/100
Google Users65%
Director: David LeeGenres: Horror, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

In a remote, fog-shrouded village, a series of brutal murders targets women deemed 'sinful' by a shadowy figure. As the body count rises, a determined detective races against time to uncover the killer's identity before the entire community succumbs to terror. The investigation leads him down a dark path, revealing long-buried secrets and a twisted motive rooted in a local legend.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Decapitation of an Evil Woman' garnered a mixed to negative reception, primarily criticized for its gratuitous violence and underdeveloped plot. However, some critics acknowledged its atmospheric tension and the unsettling nature of its themes. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some viewers finding it a daring, albeit flawed, entry into the horror genre of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its grim atmosphere and unsettling suspense.
  • Criticized for relying too heavily on gore and lacking narrative coherence.
  • Some found the central mystery compelling, despite its predictable conclusion.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a disturbing watch, with many appreciating the eerie mood and suspenseful build-up. However, a significant portion of viewers expressed disappointment with the predictable plot twists and the excessive amount of violence, feeling it overshadowed any attempts at storytelling.

Fun Fact

The film's notorious tagline, 'Evil has a new head on its shoulders,' was controversial even at the time of its release and contributed to its cult status among certain horror film aficionados.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review