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Lust of the Dead is a 2013 Japanese horror film known for its mix of gore, dark humor, and erotic themes. Directed by Naoyuki Tomomatsu, it falls within the exploitation genre and is particularly recognized for its unconventional approach to the zombie apocalypse narrative. The film blends horror elements with social commentary and satire while exploring the breakdown of societal norms in the face of a catastrophic event.

In the film, the world is abruptly plunged into chaos when a mysterious virus begins to spread rapidly among the population. This virus, however, is different from your typical zombie pathogen. It primarily affects men, turning them into depraved zombies with an insatiable lust for women. As the virus spreads, civilization crumbles, and the infected males pursue the surviving women with both murderous and carnal intent, presenting a dual threat to their safety.

The protagonist of the story is Nozomi (played by Yui Aikawa), who represents the resilience and struggle of women in this dystopian situation. Early into the outbreak, it becomes quite clear that the societal structures and the once-safe confines of her everyday life are no more. As a survivor, Nozomi must not only fend off the hordes of infected men but also deal with the psychological and physical toll that such a harrowing experience brings with it.

Joining Nozomi is a group of eclectic female characters, each dealing with the crisis in their unique way. Among them is Asami, a former S&M queen who must use her particular set of skills to survive in this new world. Another significant character, Iona, has her sub-story that intersects with the main plot, further adding layers to the survivors' shared experiences. These characters do not just represent individual survival stories; they collectively address and critique gender roles, sexual politics, and the objectification that women often face in society.

Lust of the Dead takes the viewer through various stages of the apocalypse, from the initial outbreak and panic to the establishment of makeshift shelters and the survival techniques adopted by the characters. The film emphasizes the ways in which personal and societal issues become intertwined in times of crisis. Through its narrative, it pokes at various social issues, including misogyny and the breakdown of law and order, all wrapped in a package of extreme content that pushes the boundaries of taste for many viewers.

The horror and sexuality in the film are over-the-top, often veering into the realm of grotesque and visceral imagery. Tomomatsu does not shy away from explicit scenes or the use of blood and gore, as is typical of the splatter film genre that it draws inspiration from. These elements are used to illuminate the darker sides of humanity and to challenge the audience with shocking visuals that are intended to disturb and provoke thought.

While Lust of the Dead can be seen as a commentary on gender dynamics and the objectification of women, it's important to note that the film utilizes extreme portrayals that are not meant to be taken at face value. It operates within a satirical and hyperbolic framework, using the guise of a B-movie to explore its themes. The movie's outlandish approach is both its selling point and its greatest source of controversy, as it deliberately dances on the fine line between irony and exploitation.

The cinematography of Lust of the Dead is gritty and raw, staying true to its low-budget roots and exploitation influences. The practical effects and makeup, while not necessarily state-of-the-art, contribute to the film's cult appeal. The zombies are portrayed in a less traditional manner, and their unique characteristics are one of the film's many unconventional aspects.

Musically, the film often employs a juxtaposition of playful or ironic tracks against the backdrop of its horror-filled scenes, enhancing the surreal and disorienting atmosphere that permeates throughout the narrative.

Lust of the Dead has attracted a niche audience, appealing to those with a taste for cult and extreme cinema. It's certainly not a film for the faint-hearted or those who prefer their horror films to be more straightforward and less thematically jumbled. Despite its low-budget limitations and a narrative that can be polarizing, the film has carved out a place for itself in the world of underground Japanese horror.

In summary, Lust of the Dead is a movie that takes the familiar tropes of zombie horror and spins them into a collision course with social commentary and subversive eroticism. It's a journey into an apocalyptic world where the collapse of society exposes the darkest and most primal aspects of humanity, examined through a lens that's as critical as it is exploitative.

Lust of the Dead is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.