Savage Sisters

Savage Sisters is a 1974 American action film directed by Eddie Romero. It boasts a multi-racial, predominantly female star-studded cast led by Gloria Hendry, Cheri Caffaro, and Rosanna Ortiz. Various elements of this movie coalesce to turn it into a hybrid of action, drama, and comedy genres, laced with an underlying current of women empowerment. These factors deliver a unique blend of entertainment and state-of-the-art filmmaking of the seventies era.

The appeal of Savage Sisters is instantly amplified by its blaxploitation, sexploitation, and women-in-prison influences, the niches that were very popular within the era of 1970s cinema. Consequently, this puts it in a category of more than just an action movie, as it also touches on themes of feminism and racial equality, presenting them through a lens of humor and audacity.

In the movie, Gloria Hendry, an established blaxploitation actress known for her role in 'Live and Let Die', plays the character of Jo Turner. Jo, along with Mai Ling (Rosanna Ortiz), a tough and wily femme fatale, and the seductive and strategic American playgirl Karen Brent (Cheri Caffaro), form an unlikely trio of rebels. These vigilante women, each hailing from different backgrounds and ethnicities, join forces to go up against a ruthless military dictatorship while also dealing with avaricious crooks and cynical revolutionaries. Add in a trunk full of stolen money as the motivating factor, and the stage is perfectly set for an action-packed rollercoaster mountain of hustles, battles, and daring escapades.

Their journey is not straightforward, with each of the characters experiencing her own set of challenges and obstacles, testing their will and resilience as the plot progresses. Despite their distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, the characters are skilfully brought together in their shared goal: to rebel against the oppression they experience on a daily basis. Director Eddie Romero's spirited approach to handling these characters and their interactions results in captivating love-hate relationships that anchor the movie's storyline.

Savage Sisters’ blend of action sequences and exploitative content is carefully modulated by doses of tongue-in-cheek humor. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, a factor that considerably adds to the enjoyment. The interpersonal dynamics between the characters, the comedic commentary on the socio-political climate of the era, and the light-hearted quips sprinkled throughout the dialogue serve to inject levity into an otherwise high-stakes narrative.

The performances of the three lead actresses further enhance the appeal of Savage Sisters. Gloria Hendry imbues Jo with an unexpected depth and softness, contrasting her tough exterior. Rosanna Ortiz’s Mai Ling is a perfect blend of ferocity and cunning, and Cheri Caffaro’s Karen is a seductress with a hidden agenda. Each character is defined by her independence, strength, and resilience, attributes that contribute significantly to the film’s theme of women empowerment.

On the technical side, Savage Sisters showcases a strong cinematic aesthetic of the 70s. From the costumes and set designs to the cinematography and the edgy musical score, the film wholly immerses its viewer in its time period. The filming location in the Philippines further adds to Savage Sisters’ distinct visual style and atmosphere, setting it apart from many other action films of its time.

In conclusion, Savage Sisters is a compelling action movie of its era that breaks from traditional Hollywood norms. The film cleverly intertwines elements of 70s exploitation with engaging characters, intelligent humor, and socio-political commentary, creating an entertaining and memorable viewing experience. The fierce female leads drive the narrative with their grit and defiance, defying stereotypes, and pushing boundaries. Despite its setting in the past, the themes of the film feel remarkably relevant today, making it a classic worth revisiting.