99 Women

In the 1969 campy and exploitative Italian-German sexploitation film '99 Women,' director Alberto De Martino delves into the dark underbelly of prison culture, where women face unimaginable hardships and brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. The story takes place on a remote island where the prison is isolated from the rest of the world, leaving the female inmates at the mercy of their corrupt and sadistic jailers. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the prison is a hotbed of violence and exploitation, with the women being used as vessels for the cruel desires of their captors. The prisoners are subjected to a relentless cycle of abuse, both physical and psychological, as they are forced to participate in inhumane labor, endure unspeakable humiliation, and engage in prostitution to appease the lecherous desires of the prison guards. However, despite the overwhelming despair that permeates the prison, there is a glimmer of resistance within the walls of the fortress. The story centers around two women, Valeria (played by Ingrid Schoeller) and Barbara (played by Marina Myles), who form an unbreakable bond despite the odds against them. Valeria is fiercely determined to escape, driven by her need for freedom and a desire to leave the prison's traumatic memories behind. Meanwhile, Barbara serves as a voice of reason, urging caution and considering the risks involved in attempting to flee. As the two women's relationship deepens, they begin to conspire with a small group of fellow inmates to devise an escape plan. With the help of a sympathetic guard, known as Captain Thorndyke (played by Luisa Baratto), the group gains access to a vital piece of equipment needed for their escape: a key hidden inside a radio. Though this seemingly minor detail proves crucial, it does so by being a pivotal plot point in a larger narrative in which the key was stolen and later hidden again - the prisoners are then placed in a precarious situation. However, when their escape plan goes awry, the group is forced to improvise and face the consequences of their actions. They soon discover that escaping from the prison is not merely a matter of fleeing the confines of the island; rather, it is a perilous journey filled with hidden dangers and uncertainties. As they navigate the dense jungle and treacherous terrain, the group encounters various obstacles, including wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and, most ominously, the island's ruthless prison authorities. Ultimately, the fate of the escapees hangs in the balance as they struggle to survive and stay one step ahead of their pursuers. The film culminates in a tense showdown between the escaped prisoners and their captors, underscoring the themes of survival, resistance, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of unrelenting adversity. While '99 Women' has been criticized for its gratuitous content and exploitation of female prisoners, it cannot be denied that the film sheds light on some of the darker aspects of prison culture and the human condition. Beneath its lurid and exploitative surface lies a narrative that, if somewhat sanitized, does manage to touch upon serious issues, if in a superficial way, making for a viewing experience that leaves an impression.