Criminal Woman: Killing Melody 1973
Directed by Atsushi Mihori, *Criminal Woman: Killing Melody (1973)* plunges into Japan's gritty underworld of Yakuza crime and vengeance.
Director: Atsushi Mihori
Cast
Reiko Ike
Maki
Miki Sugimoto
Massayo
Yumiko Katayama
Kaoru
Chiyoko Kazama
Natsuko
Masami Sôda
Ryōji Hayama
Boss Oba
Shinzō Hotta
Seiya Satō
Keiichi Kitagawa
Tooru Hanada
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Criminal Woman: Killing Melody (1973) about?
The film follows Reiko Ike as a young woman whose father is manipulated into drug trafficking by the Yakuza, only to be killed when he's no longer useful. After being brutally attacked and imprisoned, she plots her revenge against the mob boss responsible. Her path intersects with other wronged women, leading to a showdown fueled by fury and justice.
Who directed Criminal Woman: Killing Melody?
Atsushi Mihori directed this intense crime thriller, known for his work within Japan's 1970s exploitation and action cinema circles.
Who stars in Criminal Woman: Killing Melody?
The film features Reiko Ike in the lead role, alongside Miki Sugimoto, Yumiko Katayama, Chiyoko Kazama, and Masami Sôda in pivotal supporting parts.
Is Criminal Woman: Killing Melody (1973) worth watching?
With its high-energy action, compelling revenge plot, and standout performances—especially from Reiko Ike—it's a gripping watch for fans of 1970s Japanese crime films. While not as widely known as some contemporaries, its raw intensity and feminist undertones make it a memorable entry in the genre.
How long is Criminal Woman: Killing Melody?
The film runs for 83 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Criminal Woman: Killing Melody (1973) — The 1970s Japanese Crime Thriller You Can't Miss
Directed by Atsushi Mihori, *Criminal Woman: Killing Melody (1973)* plunges into Japan's gritty underworld of Yakuza crime and vengeance. The film follows Reiko Ike's explosive journey as she navigates betrayal, brutalization, and a quest for justice after her father is exploited and murdered by the mob. Trapped in a cycle of violence, she's imprisoned, where she bonds with rebellious women—including Yumiko Katayama and Chiyoko Kazama—before emerging with a razor-sharp resolve to dismantle the system that destroyed her life.
Bathed in neon-lit nightclubs and shadowy alleys, this action-packed crime thriller pulses with raw emotion and unflinching intensity. Themes of survival, solidarity among the oppressed, and the cost of retribution collide in a story that's as much about resilience as it is about revenge. With its tight 83-minute runtime, *Criminal Woman: Killing Melody* delivers a compact yet devastating punch, cementing its place as a cult classic of 1970s Japanese exploitation cinema.
