Plot: What’s it about?
Chuck Chi-Sing (Mark Cheng) is a lawyer with a good reputation, but all is not as it seems with this man. His mind is often drunk with intense, vicious fantasies that involve torture, rape, and sometimes, even murder. Although the fantasies alone wouldn’t amount to much, he also acts out these visions and that is when he crosses the line. He even allows another man to assault his girlfriend and as the deed is done, he runs a camera to capture all the moments, so as to view them whenever he pleases. But he soon becomes fixated on a gorgeous model named Yau (Chingmy Yau) and of course, begins to have his twisted fantasies. She will not be as easy a victim as he thinks however, as she battles back as much as she can against his advances. After he attacks her roommate, Yau turns him over to the police and a legal fight ensues, but even so, Chuck hasn’t lost his focus on Yau’s punishment. Can Yau and her triad boss protector keep Chuck’s visions unfulfilled, or is she doomed to become the means to a sick end?
The title should sort of clue in potential viewers, but Raped by an Angel is not a mainstream picture, not even close. Like most other Category III films, this one has a focus on violence & sex and in truth, most people would call it sleaze, I think. It seems to have been made on a tight budget, but has some nice visuals and decent performances, all things considered. The story is a basic, functional revenge premise and works as well as it needs to, but the real focus is not on the plotline, I assure you. As a fan of exploitation cinema, I am not too taken back by scenes of graphic violence, sex, or other touchy topics, but if you’re not the same, Raped by an Angel could send you for a loop. As the title implies, this movie has scenes of rape and the camera is never shy, to say the least. I found this to be a worthwhile flick and will add it to my collection, especially since this is the infamous uncut version. A sharp, memorable Category III romp, Raped by an Angel is not one that will appeal to everyone, but if you’re interested, it is worth a look.
This film is sometimes titled Naked Killer 2, but that is not the truth, even though Chingmy Yau is the main chick in both movies. As in Naked Killer, she is one fierce and bodacious woman and knows how to kick some ass, but she is also as gorgeous as ever. I still prefer her work in Naked Killer, but she brings a lot to the table in Raped by an Angel and often keeps the movie afloat, when it hits some low points. So she doesn’t use much in terms of classical acting, but come on, she is beautiful and often drops the linens here, which is enough. Her screen presence is awesome even when she is clothed, so I am glad she was given this role. Other films with Yau include Satan Returns, High Risk, Royal Tramp, The New Legend of Shaolin, and Street Angels. The cast also includes Mark Cheng (The Peeping Tom, Kickboxer’s Tears), Simon Yam (Fulltime Killer, Full Contact), and Dennis Chan (Remains of a Woman, I Love Maria).
Video: How does it look?
Raped by an Angel is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. The image here shows frequent jagged lines and shimmering, but aside from that, I have no real complaints to register. The print is much cleaner and sharper than expected, with minimal wear signs and that is fantastic news. The colors seem bright and bold, with no flaws to report and flesh tones are warm & natural, as intended. I found contrast to be stark, though not quite as dark as I’d like, but still more than acceptable. I think an anamorphic transfer would have cleared up the main issues here, but even as it stands, this is a solid transfer and looks much more impressive than I had counted on.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original Cantonese soundtrack is preserved via a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround option, which sounds more than solid here. The audio scope is not as broad or rich as the reference level tracks out there, but I was never let down with this treatment. As with a lot of Asian films from the early 1990s, the mix here seems a little thin at times, but never forced and a result, the sound is natural and that means a lot, I think. The vocals are presented in clean, clear form and the music sounds good also, no real complaints there. This disc also includes a Mandarin language option, as well as subtitles in traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, and English.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc houses some talent files, as well as the film’s theatrical trailer.
