Deported Women of The SS Special Section

Deported Women of The SS Special Section, directed by Rino Di Silvestro and released in 1976, is an Italian exploitation film that belongs to the sub-genre of Nazi exploitation, also known as Nazisploitation. This genre was particularly common in the 1970s and featured films that dealt with campy or gratuitous nudity and violence set during World War II.

The film stars John Steiner, Lina Polito, and Erna Schurer. John Steiner, best known for his work in Eurospy films, takes on an emotionally charged role in this film, demonstrating an array of acting skills that provide a detailed look into the human mind under extreme conditions. Lina Polito and Erna Schurer, who can both be associated with multiple roles in the Italian cinematic world throughout the 70s, deliver performances that involve a complex level of characterization, resonating throughout the movie.

The plot revolves around a group of women who are unjustly sent to a Nazi concentration camp under the command of a sadistic SS officer, portrayed by Steiner. Living under the shadow of tyranny, these women are subjected to various assaults that challenge their physical and mental strength. While the film does not shy away from presenting the terrifying microcosm within the camp, it also preserves an underlying narrative of resistance and survival that results in unexpected alliances among the victims.

Lina Polito plays one of the deported women, drawing from her range to deliver an emotional amalgam of fear, shock, and defiance. Her resonating performance aids in presenting the unfathomable depths humanity might sink to under the right circumstances. Erna Schurer, on the other hand, takes on a vastly different role, which should not be spoiled here, but is certainly key to the unfolding of the plot.

While the film is undoubtedly provocative and challenging, it isn't merely a showcase of atrocities. It also provides crafted narratives around each of its characters, justified to a certain extent by their backstories, resulting in an immersive setting that aligns with the thematic backdrop of the film. The non-linear progression of events enhances the suspense, while the intense performances and strong direction hit hard with a sense of dark realism.

Rino Di Silvestro's direction plays a significant role in presenting this intense, twisted tale of oppression and survival. Known for directing powerful exploitation films, Silvestro works his magic yet again, orchestrating visceral scenes that retain a sense of urgency. Depicting the brutal SS regime and the subsequent effects it had on the victims, his direction effectively projects the horror of the era.

The cinematography effectively captures the grimness of the concentration camp, while artful editing adds to the film's overall potency. The recreation of a World War II atmosphere pushes the envelope of believability, granting a realistic touch to the inherently horrific setting.

The background score, attributed to Piero Umiliani, enhances the viewer’s emotional journey, adding an additional layer of depth to the overall narrative. Whether it's the terrifying silence of the night or the ominous, dread-inducing music that plays during the scenes of brutality, the sound design is commendable in amplifying the emotional weight carried by the film.

Despite its graphic nature and content that may be uncomfortable for some, Deported Women of The SS Special Section features strong performances and provocative storytelling that highlight human resilience against tyranny. As a period drama set in a harrowing time of World War II, it stands as a grim testament to the extremes cruelty can reach but also the unfathomable courage of those trapped within it.

It is important to note that the film reflects the cinematic tendencies and exploitative style prevalent in the Italian film industry of the 70s. It is also indicative of the transgressive tools used by filmmakers during that period. Thus, it may be best appreciated by those with a taste for explicit and 'against the grain' content or those studying the history and evolution of cinema, particularly exploitation movies.

In the end, Deported Women of The SS Special Section is a worth-watch for its powerful storytelling, commendable performances, and its position as a distinctive relic within the Nazisploitation genre.