Watch 99 Women

In the 1969 movie 99 Women, directed by Jess Franco, we are taken on a dark and twisted journey into a women's prison where a corrupt and oppressive regime rules over the inmates. The movie stars Maria Schell as Leonie, a woman unfairly sent to prison for a crime she did not commit. Leonie is thrown into a world of violence, oppression, and sexual exploitation, where the guards and even some of the female inmates use their power to abuse and manipulate the more vulnerable inmates. The movie also features Luciana Paluzzi as the sadistic prison warden Thelma Diaz, and Mercedes McCambridge as the brutal and vindictive prison doctor.

The movie begins with a young woman named Helga (Rosanna Yanni) being sent to the prison after being falsely accused of murdering her sister's husband. Helga is in a state of shock and disbelief as she is dragged into the prison, where she is greeted by the other inmates, who seem to be divided into two groups - those who are resigned to their fate and those who are still fighting to survive. Helga is taken under the wing of Leonie, who tries to protect her from the cruel and predatory guards.

As the movie progresses, we are introduced to a range of different characters, each with their own story and reasons for being in the prison. Some, like Leonie and Helga, are victims of circumstance, while others, like the drug-addicted lesbian Judy (Ingrid Steeger) and the manipulative prostitute Natalie (Maria Rohm), are more complex and ambiguous. The relationships between the different characters are also complicated, with alliances and betrayals constantly shifting as power and control are fought over.

One of the most powerful and disturbing aspects of 99 Women is the way it portrays the sexual exploitation and abuse of the female inmates. Throughout the movie, we see scenes of the guards and even some of the female inmates using their power to sexually assault and humiliate the more vulnerable prisoners. These scenes are often brutal and explicit, and are a stark reminder of the harsh and unforgiving reality of life in a 1960s women's prison.

Despite the bleak and disturbing subject matter, 99 Women is a visually stunning movie, with Franco making full use of the lush tropical scenery to create a visually striking and atmospheric film. The movie also features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack, which adds to the overall sense of dread and unease.

Overall, 99 Women is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores some of the darkest aspects of human nature. While the movie may not be for everyone, those who are able to withstand its graphic and disturbing content will find a compelling and harrowing story that sticks with them long after the credits have rolled.

99 Women is a 1969 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.