The four 'Female Prisoner Scorpion' films are likely to be among the first films mentioned in any discussion about the best Pinky Violence films of all time. The 1976 reboot of the series - entitled 'New Female Prisoner Scorpion' is less likely to be mentioned, and for good reason; although it was still a very decent slice of Japanese exploitation. The first film was basically just a remake of the original Female Prisoner Scorpion, but thankfully this sequel is not just a remake of the second; but rather a completely new Female Prisoner Scorpion film. And a rather good one at that. Naturally, the film focuses on Nami; complete with a different reason for being in jail; this time she was once a nurse. We pick up the story shortly after one of Nami's escape attempts has been foiled and she's found herself back at the prison; much to the dismay of her fellow inmate, who were punished on her behalf. This also heralds the arrival of a new and unforgiving prison warden; leading to an unlikely union between Nami and a former prison guard.
Meiko Kaji made the title role her own in the first four films; and her presence here is desperately missed. Yôko Natsuki steps into the lead role for this film (making her the third actress to play it) and is nowhere near as good, which does harm the whole film. It's lucky, then, that director Yutaka Kohira (who also directed the previous entry) is able to make up for the lack of acting talent with a great plot that flows freely and is always enough to keep things entertaining. Of course you've got the staples of the series (rivalry between prisoners, brutality from the guards etc) but the director also allows the plot to evolve several times; and we switch from prison drama to chase movie. It can feel a little disjointed at times; but it's so entertaining that most viewers probably won't even notice. The style of the film is not as experimental and some of the original Female Prisoner Scorpion entries; but it is more so than the previous film. Overall, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Special Cellblock X might not be the best of the series; but it's a blast from start to finish and comes recommend to Pinky Violence fans.
