Women in Prison
Women in Prison

Movie spotlight

Women in Prison

1988
Movie
99 min
French

Nicole (Agnes Soral) is sent up the river for infanticide in this routine woman-in-prison feature. There she meets Marthe (Annie Girardot), a fellow murderess who receives special treatment from the warden Dessombes (Marie-Christine Barrault). The warden frames Nelly (Bernadette Lafont) for drug possession and has her thrown into solitary confinement. Sabien (Corinne Touzet) is a newcomer convicted of armed robbery who latches on to the lesbian Lucie (Milva), a longtime prisoner slated for release.

Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Director: Russ MeyerGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Follows the exploits of an innocent woman sent to a corrupt women's prison where she must navigate a brutal system of guards and inmates. She encounters a hardened lifer who becomes her unlikely protector and ally. Together, they scheme to survive the harsh realities of incarceration and seek a way to escape their unjust confinement.

Critical Reception

Critically, 'Women in Prison' received a decidedly mixed to negative reception, largely criticized for its gratuitous violence, exploitation elements, and underdeveloped plot. However, it garnered a cult following over time for its campy style and Meyer's signature directorial choices, appealing to a niche audience that appreciated its B-movie aesthetic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Often cited for its gratuitous violence and exploitative themes.

  • Praised by some for its campy aesthetic and signature Russ Meyer style.

  • Criticized for a weak narrative and poor character development.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable through aggregated Google reviews, with the film being more of a cult item than a mainstream hit. Those who appreciate it often do so for its exploitation film characteristics and camp value.

Fun Fact

While sometimes incorrectly attributed to the 1958 film of the same name, this 1988 version is a distinct exploitation film directed by Russ Meyer, known for his provocative and often controversial cinema.

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