Cast
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Reiko Ike
as Aki Kazahana
Harumi Tajima
as Sadako Abe
Natsuko Yashiro
as Kazue Kobayakawa
Masataka Naruse
as
Rena Ichinose
as Ranko Fukazawa
Emi Jo
as Hiroko Fukuda
Mitsuko Aoi
as
Akemi Kasuga
as Masae Asou
Rie Saotome
as Masami Araki
Jun Aida
as Senko Mizutani
Junko Miwa
as Fusae Chihara
Miki Nakai
as
Midori Shirakawa
as
Akira Ōizumi
as
Mike Daneen
as Spencer
Crew
Director
- Seiko Shimura
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Seiko Shimura brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 74 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike To Be Killed by a High School Girl, which focuses more on action than character development, Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and The Machine Girl explore similar territory, Terrifying Girls' High School: Animal Courage stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 26m
