Blind Beast (Môjuu), an erotically-charged terror flick from 1960′s Japan, might be the most unexpected entry into our list of Neglected Gems — but it fits the criteria: Not many have seen it, but those who have give it high marks. This little-known burst of freaky Japanese sexploitation is a minor masterpiece of the genre, and a must-see for fans of such filth entertainment.

The plot is as simple as that of most skin flicks — Michio has been blind since birth, and has turned his studio into a lair which caters to his lack of sight, with enormous replica body parts taking up space on the walls and floor. It’s in this room that Michio and his demented, controlling mother keep sequestered beautiful young model Aki, whom they’ve kidnapped as a pawn their twisted sexual games.

Aki, however, proves to be wittier than the usual slaughter-bait and allows Michio to believe that she’s falling in love with him. The dramatic tension builds, as Michio begins to contemplate a life apart from his wretched mother.

Why, Aki, I can nearly see your panties!

The film is shot almost entirely in Michio’s studio, giving it an extremely claustrophobic feel, and the sparse plot seems as though it shouldn’t be able to fill a normal feature’s length. But director Yasuzo Masumura coaxes excellent performances from his cast and maintains the harrowing balance between dread and titillation remarkably well.

Again, we can’t recommend this film for everyone — but Blind Beast remains a must-see in the strange and troubling subgenre of old Japanese sex & murder films. Here’s a YouTube segment if you really want to find out more:

An in-depth review at KFC Cinema