99 Women

99 Women is a 1969 women-in-prison film directed by legendary Spanish horror maestro Jesus Franco. This mature-rated exploitational movie stars globally recognized actors Maria Schell, Luciana Paluzzi, and Mercedes McCambridge in main roles. The film is multi-lingual, primarily filmed in English but dubbed in some versions in Italian, Spanish and Germany, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the cast.

The movie transports the audience into a grim nightmare where over ninety women are held as inmates in a remote island prison. 99 women, signifying the diverse mass of female prisoners, are on 'Devil's Island,' a forsaken and secluded place, under the strict supervision of a sadistic warden Thelma Diaz, a role intensively portrayed by Mercedes McCambridge. Jesús Franco employs his visual alchemy in detailing the horrific plight of these inmates, with the remote prison turning into a hotbed of fear, psychological torture, and unbridled brutality.

Maria Schell stars as Marie, a compassionate woman who has lost her way and is wrongly incarcerated in this penal hellhole. She forms the emotional core of the story, her determined spirit trying to survive and even escape the horrific living conditions and the constant abuse at the hands of her captors. Her plight, along with those of many other prisoners, is vividly and passionately depicted, drawing attention to their endeavours to keep their humanity intact amid the cruel treatment meted out on the island.

On the other hand, we have the elegant Luciana Paluzzi, who plays government-appointed psychologist Leonie Caroll. She is sent to the island to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of two prior inmates, and her perspective acts as a moral compass of sorts for the viewer. The dramatic tension between the compassionate psychologist and the harsh warden forms a central conflict, underscoring the themes of justice and morality.

Despite the seemingly brutal premise, 99 Women successfully combines elements of drama, horror, and soft-core eroticism creating a unique viewing experience. Reinforcing the exploitative themes of the film, Jesus Franco doesn't shy away from showing explicit erotic content, which also draws attention to the horrific sexual abuse suffered by the prisoners. However, the movie goes beyond pure shock value or sexploitation. It's a detailed examination of the human will to survive, the innate need for freedom, and the indomitable spirit of womanhood amidst despair.

The movie's cinematographic work is worth noting, with the setting of the prison and the island being shot in an eerie, desolate manner contributing to an overall sense of confinement and fear. The production values, set designs, and costuming effectively build the grim atmosphere of the prison and the desperate realities of the characters.

Aside from the strong performances from Schell, Paluzzi, and McCambridge, 99 Women also boasts an incredible supporting cast. Rosalba Neri, Elisa Montés, and Valentina Godoy, among others, form a robust ensemble cast providing depth to the narrative.

The film's background score and sound effects add another layer to the claustrophobic milieu of the story. A blend of suspenseful strings and drum beats augment the idea of impending doom and brutality that looms over the prison, while quieter melodies serve to enhance the poignant moments of the film.

99 Women remains an intriguing entry within the women-in-prison subgenre and in Jesús Franco's diverse filmography. Its balance of shocking exploitation and thoughtful examination of human rights make it a significant part of cinema history. This film is a must-watch for fans of exploitation cinema, historical horror, and Franco’s work. With strong performances, impactful themes, and the director’s knack for creating an emotionally intense atmosphere, 99 Women is an unforgettable and challenging cinematic experience. Viewers are advised to expect adult content as they dive into this dark tale of survival, desperation, horror, and resilience.