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Issue #195a HOME E-mail: mail@dighkmovies.com BACK ISSUES January 19th, 2004

Stacy
(2001; GAGA Communications)

RATING 10
A Masterpiece
9
Excellent
8
Highly Recommended
7
Very Good
6
Recommended
5
Marginal Recommendation
4
Not Recommended
3
Poor
2
Definitely Not Recommended
1
Dreadful

Even amongst the exceedingly curious annals of Japanese cinema, it is difficult to think of another film quite like this digital video oddity. Girls aged 15-17 begin to die of an unknown malady, only to rise again as bloodthirsty zombies nicknamed "Stacies." (image) Only total bodily dismemberment ("Repeat Kills" carried out by The Romero Troops) is effective and those about to succumb to the phenomenon display an uncontrollable euphoria, known as "Near Death Happiness."


For those who do not want to deal with The Romeros, an illegal gang of Drews (named after Drew Barrymore) are willing to come and perform the Repeat Kills for a price. Puppeteer Shibukawa (Toshinori Omi) is befriended by Eiko (Natsuki Kato), who is destined to die within a week and wants him to be the one who chops her up. Meanwhile, a facility dedicated to zombie experimentation is invaded by dozens of Stacies, thanks to the actions of a deranged soldier.


Based on a novel by Kenji Otsuki (who appears in a commercial pitching a designer chainsaw called "Bruce Campbell's Right Hand 2"), this busy low-budget splatter comedy/romance/satire is a thoroughly bizarre enterprise that will alienate most viewers. Director Naoyuki Tomomatsu (who comes from an adult video background) likes to amp everything up so high, a few scenes become almost too exasperating to bear. On the other hand, scattered sentimental moments are strangely affecting (like a private puppet show that Shibukawa puts on for Eiko), the finale is most unexpected and novel, and gorehounds get more than their share of bloody carnage. While most of the zombie movie in-joke references (with George Romero's DAY OF THE DEAD being the main target) are obvious and sophomoric, the satire aimed at local obsessions (namely, schoolgirl fetishes and preoccupation with unnatural, unobtainable women) is indelible and unique.


ZOOM
Cover art courtesy Synapse.

ZOOM
Designer chainsaws named after EVIL DEAD hero Bruce Campbell are the latest rage in STACY. Image courtesy Synapse.
DVD SPECS
Synapse #SFD00026 (US label)

Dolby Digital 2.0

Sync Sound Japanese Language

Optional English Subtitles

16 Chapters Illustrated in the Menu With Frame Grabs

Enhanced for 16:9 Displays

Letterboxed (1.78:1)

Coded for Region 1 Only

NTSC Format

80 Minutes

Contains brutal violence and graphic horror


DVD menu courtesy Synapse.


FILM BOARD RATINGS AND CONSUMER ADVICE
Not Available


PRESENTATION
The anamorphic image looks crisp and handsome, and the cheaply edited stereo mix is sufficiently boisterous. Optional English subtitles are provided, along with a trailer, and useful liner notes by Patrick Macias.



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