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Rape Ceremony

Rape Ceremony (1980)

Feb 16, 1980 1h 9m Drama Crime

In a rural town, ex-members of a motorcycle gang become sporadic victims of vigilante attacks. A group of high school boys are responsible for the various assaults because they're upset that the motorcycle gang had disbanded. The boys idolized the rebel gang and harbored dreams of joining them after graduation. A female student happens to see one of the assaults and is threatened by the high school thugs. But she turns out to tougher than she looks.

Directed by Kichitaro Negishi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kichitaro Negishi

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Rape Ceremony examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Kichitaro Negishi 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1980, 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 Rape Ceremony took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1973 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 370 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1980, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Rape Ceremony shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Demon's Room, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rape Ceremony offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Female Leopard and Nurse Diary: Beast Afternoon explore similar territory, Rape Ceremony stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: February 16, 1980
  • Runtime: 1h 9m