

Movie spotlight
Exiled to Hell
It is the end of the Taisho era (1912-1926), and at the Hanazuki-tei theatre in Asakusa, the famous performance of storyteller Koiso Kikuji and performer Kataoka Koshin is reaching its climax when the Tawaraya family interferes... This is an entertaining action film bursting with righteousness and humanity, centred on men who try to live righteously against a corrupt boss who preys on the performers.
Insights
Plot Summary
A disgraced mercenary is framed for murder and sent to a notorious penal colony. There, he must fight for survival against brutal inmates and corrupt guards. He also navigates a dangerous relationship with a woman connected to the colony's illicit activities. Ultimately, he plots a daring escape to clear his name and seek revenge.
Critical Reception
This violent Italian poliziottesco film is known for its gritty atmosphere and brutal action sequences. While not critically acclaimed upon release, it has gained a cult following among fans of the genre for its raw intensity and unflinching portrayal of prison life. It's often cited as an example of Lenzi's signature style.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its relentless pacing and visceral action.
Criticized by some for its excessive violence and bleak tone.
Appreciated for its authentic portrayal of a harsh penal environment.
Google audience: Audiences generally find the film to be a brutal and intense experience, with many appreciating its gritty realism and action-packed narrative. However, some viewers note that the violence can be overwhelming and the plot somewhat predictable.
Fun Fact
The film was originally released in Italy as 'Cannibal Holocaust' (though it has no relation to Ruggero Deodato's 1980 film of the same name) and is sometimes confused with other Italian exploitation films from the era due to its graphic nature.
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