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Crime Cult Classic

A city's hunt for a brutal rapist turns disturbingly personal in Kōyū Ohara's mean-spirited giallo.

ZOOM UP: RAPE SITE

1979 · 1h 7m · NR · Crime / Drama / Horror · IMDB TMDB

A young couple, meeting for a tryst at the site of a brutal rape/murder, witness another murder and have to decide whether to turn the killer in.

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Quick Answer

What is Zoom Up: Rape Site about?

Zoom Up: Rape Site is a 1979 Japanese crime, drama, and horror film directed by Kōyū Ohara about Tomoko, who investigates a rapist terrorizing the city while her pursuit becomes complicated by mistaken accusations.

Programmer's Pick

If you're seeking the softer side of '70s Japanese cinema, look elsewhere—Ohara's film pulls no punches and leaves subtlety at the door. This is giallo gone gleefully cruel, with a directorial hand that's as unflinching as the subject matter.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In 1979 Tokyo, Tomoko (Erina Miyai) is determined to track down a rapist whose brutal crimes have shaken the city. Her investigation, however, is marred by misidentifications, as she finds herself ensnared by confusion and false leads. The film doesn't shy away from its disturbing subject matter—one especially infamous scene involves a violent assault with a lightbulb, exemplifying the movie's harsh and mean-spirited tone. Director Kōyū Ohara brings a giallo-inspired sensibility to the project, crafting a world where the line between hunter and hunted blurs. With its mix of eroticism and horror, the film confronts viewers with challenging material and a relentless atmosphere.

Details & Specs

Director
Kōyū Ohara
Writer
Chiho Katsura
Release
1979
Runtime
1h 7m
Country
Japan
Language
Japanese
Genres
Crime, Drama, Horror
Also Known As
Zûmu appu: Bôkô genba

Why This Matters

As the inaugural entry in Nikkatsu's 'Zoom Up' series, this film's success revived the studio's controversial 'Violent Pink' style, leading to six sequels and marking a significant shift in the Roman porno line after a period of restraint.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Kōyū Ohara Writer: Chiho Katsura
Erina Miyai Erina Miyai Tomoko Ukai Yuki Yoshizawa Yuki Yoshizawa Maya Kawasaki KS Kazuo Satake Hiroshi Narita KS Kenji Shimizu Kentarô Ômori YA Yōko Azusa Fumiyo Yamamoto TH Tatsuya Hamaguchi Isao Ukai MH Maya Hamazaki Bar Hostess RK Remi Kitagawa Girl at Cash Register YR Yuri Risa Woman in Dress RS Ryoichi Sato Thug

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Why Cult

Kōyū Ohara Direction

Director Ohara is known for his expert handling of provocative material, bringing a stylish yet unforgiving vision to the film.

Mean-Spirited Tone

Described by critics as misogynist and mean-spirited, the film stands out for its confrontational approach to its subject matter.

Giallo Thriller Elements

Fans of giallo will notice the film's blend of crime, horror, and erotic tension, setting it apart from standard genre fare.

Infamous Lightbulb Scene

One scene, involving a violent assault with a lightbulb, is notorious even among exploitation aficionados.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Rapist terrorizes the city

Threat

Serial sexual predator

Effect

Brutal assaults and murders

Setting

Urban Japan

Questions from the Vault

When was Zoom Up: Rape Site released? +

Zoom Up: Rape Site was released in 1979.

Who directed Zoom Up: Rape Site? +

Zoom Up: Rape Site was directed by Kōyū Ohara.

How long is Zoom Up: Rape Site? +

Zoom Up: Rape Site has a runtime of 67 minutes.

What genre is Zoom Up: Rape Site? +

Zoom Up: Rape Site is a crime, drama, and horror film.

Trailers & Clips

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