An Iconic Image For Japanese “Pinky Violence” Fans!
In the 70’s, a genre of film in Japan was called “pink” cinema, or “pinky violence”…they were wildly entertaining action films with young women fighting and taking their clothes off…
The Wild World Of “J-Sploitation!”
It’s a genre that many don’t know about – Japanese exploitation, better known as “J-Sploitation!”
Reiko Ike was one of the genre’s biggest stars…and she also appeared in one of the 70’s greatest cult action films of all time!
This is a type of cinema that is easy to find today thanks to great home video and streaming services – and here’s a look at some of her biggest films!
Ike’s career was launched in 1971 with “Hot Springs Mimizu Geisha.”
Apparently, a media frenzy erupted following the release of this film when Ike claimed to have lied about her age to gain a part in the movie.
The controversy around her appearance made the film a huge hit in Japan, and Ike’s career was off and running!
Her most acclaimed film is 1973’s “Sex & Fury”, co-starring the “Queen Of Artsploitation” Christina Lindberg!
Ike’s brilliant swordfight with multiple adversaries is a classic action sequence, with Reiko beginning fully clothed and ending up completely nude – all while fighting!
This is a classic action sequence from a terrific movie, which as been remastered and released for new generations to enjoy.
I’m a huge fan of Christina Lindberg, and it’s great that she co-stars in this film – here’s a look at her career:
“Sex & Fury” was followed by “Female Yakuza Tale: Inquisition and Torture” in the same year.
Ike also released an album of songs in 1971, Kōkotsu No Sekai. As you can see, she was willing to bare it all, even in music and calendars…
She made “Girl Boss Revenge” in 1973, and Ike then starred in a series of classic action films called “pinky violence” in Japan…the series was under this heading:
“Terrifying Girls High School!”
Ike starred in five of Toei’s seven Sukeban (delinquent schoolgirl) films made between 1971 and 1974. Patrick Macias described this series as:
“bare-chested, shotgun-packing chicks Miki Sugimoto and Ike Reiko getting into one catfight after another.”
How can you argue about that?
Among the titles were these hits:
Terrifying Girls’ High School: Lynch Law Classroom
She also starred in this hilariously titled one:
Terrifying Girls High School: Delinquent Convulsion Group
Terrifying Girls High School: Animal Courage
As you can see, the titles of these films are as entertaining as the movies!
She also made “Girl Boss: Diamond Showdown”…
“The Street Fighter’s Last Revenge” in 1974 was the last major film she starred in.
After a drug-related arrest, and another arrest for illegal gambling in the 1970s, Ike dropped out of the entertainment business.
Reiko Ike holds a place in 70’s cinema for her grind house classics…the genre of “Jsploitation” isn’t as well known outside of Japan, but they are still being made, like this one:
“Dead Sushi” is a great film, and here is a look at some of the best of the current bunch:
https://jrsploitation.com/2013/07/30/killer-sushi-japanese-exploitation-lives/
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Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve seen any of Reiko Ike’s films!
Categories: 70's Films, Artsploitation, Asian Cult Cinema, Camp Cult Classics, Christina Lindberg, Classic Action Films, Exploitation Films, Grindhouse, Japanese Exploitation, JRsploitation, Nudity, sex kittens, Talent / Celebrites, Uncategorized
JR-Sploitation! 
I love the way all the action was just about her getting naked!
The ‘Japsploitation’ genre never hit the mainstream over here, but it did provide some classic stuff!
Good feature, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete, it never hit win the US – “Sex & Fury” was an exception, helped in no part by the casting of Christina Lindberg….
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