"Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion" centers on Nami Matsushima, also known as Sasori, portrayed by Meiko Kaji. After a devastating betrayal by Sugimi, a detective colluding with the mob and the man she deeply loved, Nami finds herself wrongfully imprisoned. Driven by a burning desire for vengeance, she navigates the brutal world of incarceration, battling corruption and cruelty as she seeks justice on her own terms.
The film delves deeply into themes of betrayal, systemic injustice, and the resilience of the human spirit. It highlights the struggles of women caught in oppressive systems, exploring the interplay between personal revenge and societal critique. Nami's transformation from victim to avenger not only challenges patriarchal oppression but also sheds light on the dehumanizing aspects of the prison system and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.
Upon its release, "Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion" garnered significant attention for its raw portrayal of female empowerment and revenge. Meiko Kaji's compelling performance solidified her status as a cult icon, and the film influenced the genre of women-in-prison cinema globally. Its impact resonates in pop culture through its bold feminist undertones and stylistic approach, inspiring numerous remakes, homages, and discussions around gender and justice in media.
Main Cast of Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Meiko Kaji
Rie Yokoyama
Isao Natsuyagi
Fumio Watanabe
Yayoi Watanabe
Yōko Mihara
Crew of Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Full backstage crew list →- Released August 25, 1972