Oct. 08, 1999|Japan|65 Min.|n/A
Genre: Horror;Violence(Slasher)
Description: “Girl Hell 1999” is a Japanese film that tells the unsettling story of Misaki, a compassionate yet troubled 17-year-old schoolgirl. Living in a grim environment, she endures a life of loneliness and despair. Abandoned by her mother, Misaki resides with her disabled sister and a cruel, abusive father. While her sister suffers continuous sexual abuse at the hands of their father, Misaki narrowly escapes his predatory behavior. Her isolation deepens as she struggles to connect with her only friend, a classmate engaged in prostitution. Despite her own hardships, Misaki shows kindness by bringing food to a mentally unstable homeless woman who clings to a doll, believing it to be her child. The plot takes a darker turn when two sadistic men take an interest in Misaki. One attempts to befriend her, but when he feels rejected, their savage impulses lead to a violent rampage. As Misaki witnesses and falls victim to escalating horrors, she begins to succumb to her own violent tendencies.
The film’s disturbing tone is evident from the opening scene, where the two men engage in a chilling conversation about their waning interest in sexual assault and their preference for targeting the elderly. This sets the stage for a narrative that delves into taboo subjects, a hallmark of director Daisuke Yamanouchi’s controversial work. Released in 1999, “Girl Hell” shares thematic similarities with Yamanouchi’s other films from the same year, such as “Red Room” and “Muzan-E.” However, unlike the others, “Girl Hell” opts for an ambiguous and bleak conclusion, leaving viewers with a sense of unease rather than resolution. The film’s relentless depiction of violence and degradation culminates in a harsh, unflinching ending that reflects its grim narrative. While “Muzan-E” offers a somewhat satisfying conclusion despite its disturbing imagery, “Girl Hell” maintains its bleak tone throughout, delivering a raw and unsettling viewing experience.
Cast director: Daisuke Yamanouchi
Cast actor: Natsumi Harada, Yuusuke Kimura, Toshimaru Murai, Sheena Nagamori, Tsuyoshi Okuno, Kazuhiro Sano, Salmon Sakeyama, Kana Sakurai, Yôko Satomi, Taishi Takemoto
Original name: 少女地獄一九九九