Policewomen

Policewomen, a 1974 flick directed by Lee Frost, is a gritty and action-packed crime drama enriched with the classic aesthetics of 70s cinema. Its star-studded wheel includes Sondra Currie, Tony Young and Phil Hoover. The movie takes audiences into the intriguing world of crime fighting, while exploring the challenges met by a woman in a predominantly male-dominated profession. It prides itself in vivid storytelling, incorporating a kickass female lead, criminal underworlds, martial arts, and an exploration of societal issues.

Sondra Currie, the main lead, delivers an exceptional performance as Lacy Bond, a dedicated and incredibly skilled officer, making her presence known in a field primarily occupied by men. A former U.S. Marine, her character stands out due to her exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills, intelligence, and tenacity. The strength and conviction brought by Currie to her character pay homage to women's capabilities and strengths, even in the most demanding jobs.

Tony Young stars as Frank Mitchell, a tough but confliced detective who struggles with his feelings for Lacy, as well as with accepting her place in the highly demanding world of law enforcement. His character serves as an indication of the times, and the societal struggle in accepting women at par with men in certain occupations.

Phil Hoover makes a compelling appearance as Maude, the sinister mastermind behind a spree of gold heists that are at the center of the plot. He adds depth to the narrative with his engaging performance, balancing out, and often challenging, the righteousness of Currie’s character.

Policewomen is brimming with high-octane action, that include intense car chases, heart-stopping stunts and hand-to-hand fights that serve as a testament to Lacy's skills and strengths. Yet, as much as it is an action film, it doesn't shy away from addressing key societal issues prevalent during the 70s, such as women's rights, sexism, and police corruption. The movie deftly threads the line between action and drama, balancing the intense scenes with moments of humor, thereby making it an enjoyable watch.

The storyline revolves around Lacy Bond’s exploits to penetrate into the underbelly of the city’s criminal world that's been rattling the authorities. As a policewoman, she's entrusted with infiltrating a women-led gang involved in bank robberies and smuggling. Venturing into dangerous territories, facing perilous situations and combating unsavory characters, she carries out her mission with unwavering dedication while facing skepticism and prejudice back in the department. Fraught with danger, the path she treads unveils much more than she initially signed up for.

Moreover, her unusual methods and unwillingness to abide by the norms raise several eyebrows and lead to plenty of intense dynamics. Her resilience in the face of adversity, inner demons, and societal bias form the backbone of the narrative. An unexpected alliance and budding romance with her superior, Frank Mitchell, adds another layer of complexity to the plot.

The cinematography captures the rugged and grimy milieu of the 70s crime scene, while the soundtrack adds a layer of authenticity, enveloping the entire narrative in a nostalgic aura. The script, from Wes Bishop and Lee Frost, is crisp and well-executed, inventive and engaging in its blend of action, drama, and social commentary.

To sum it up, Policewomen is not just a thrilling action flick; it also carries an important commentary on the deep-seated sexism of society, narrated through the struggle of a brave and talented policewoman. Sondra Currie's admirable performance, coupled with its action-packed plot, make the movie an engaging and progressive watch for audiences who appreciate well-written female leads and relish retro action cinema. Although set in the 70s, Policewomen's themes of gender equality and breaking stereotypes resonate today, making it a timeless film worth revisiting.