Spend International Women’s Day with a fighter-Sister Street Fighter!!! & Actress Etsuko (Sue) Shihomi-TV/ the Cinema …
Taglines-
It’s pure ’70s grindhouse with flying side kicks and ball busting,side splitting action-see Sister Street Fighter before she see’s you…!!!!
He’s a one man army. She’s a one woman death squad.
Sonny Chiba’s back … and Sue Shiomi’s got ‘im!
A ladykiller meets a lady killer!
Arrow Films has released the ultimate female action series/franchise from the 70’s .
SISTER STREET FIGHTER Collection!!!!!! (1974–1976- released and produced by Toei )-Bluray release — Arrow Films
Starring- Etsuko Shihomi
Wow! Does she look great. I mean the movie and her too. All 4 of them. A stunning high definition transfer on Bluray and loaded with lots of fun bonus features including trailers and isolated soundtracks — plus a new interview with one my favorite action stars-Sonny Chiba. Sonny also appears in the first of the series- Sister Street Fighter. Also offered in their original Japanese release edition which means for the first time here -uncut with all the action and blood left in that was not apart of the US released prints.
Below -Arrow Promo for bluray release
The films highlight the adventures of Li Kory, half Japanese/half Chinese martial arts competitor and undercover agent for an asian law enforcement agency. She is an expert in weapons- nun chaku, throwing stars, staff and Si’s-short-thin daggers that can be spun by hand. These flicks hold nothing back. Like the titles state street fighting-swift short skirmishes with intense brutality. Li is taking down drug cartels, smuggling, slavery and illegal weapon sales and anyone who is bullying the defenseless, downtrodden-old & young. The last in the series Fifth Level Fist is unrelated to the series but is directed by of the Street Fighter — starring Sonny Chiba. Still retaining the fun and funky soundtrack with long electric guitar solos with a plot involving a Japanese film company as a front for a world wide crime syndicate that is smuggling drugs hidden within Buddha statues being shipped overseas to America. Already this one is the top of my list as a favorite late nite fair with a screaming piece of pizza!!!
Original trailer for Sister Street Fighter-
The films are pure grindhouse, off the charts!!! pop culture with funky soundtracks, nudity and violence. No sparing the blood or the entrails for that matter( the first film originally received an X rating from the MPAA until 6 minutes were cut to get an R- mostly for the violent nature & gore of some scenes). So who says a lady can’t do a man’s “job”.
Kinda of an Eastern :Spaghetti “ Western in a mod setting. With wall scaling, car chases, open fights and knock down brawls on the seaside docks of Japanese harbors. Enduring tortures- being dangled over a bed of spikes, poison darts.
Above -US original release poster
Here’s something to think about. This was 1974- having a female in the lead role of an action series was not occurring on a regular basis. But Japan and Hong Cinema had been pushing the limits in females wielding swords for a few years starting in mid 60’s and early 70’s. But karate and kung fu was another matter. When Bruce Lee, Wang Yu and the film Five Fingers Of Death hit world wide it was mainly a “man’s” job to bring the bad guys down. The only exception to that rule was Angela Mao. Especially in a series of films with the same recurring character. This was somewhat new ground. There had been 2 other contenders -Lady Snowblood 1973 (Meiko Kaji) and
Shaw Brothers-Come Drink With Me 1966 (Pei-pei Cheng as Golden Swallow) both spawned sequels.
Now imagine when Etsuko started out she was only 16 years of age. In fact she almost did not make it-at least at the Japan Action Club. She was highly skilled and could do anything asked of her. Her athletic prowess was off the chart and yet none of the instructors would pass her. One day Shinichi Chiba(Sonny) spoke with one of the instructors and asked why she was not being passed. He was told she was too flat and looked like a man. Well Sonny asked that they take a look at her again. Chiba stated that he was very interested in her and that she had a great skill at adapting to various forms /styles of martial arts plus the ability to pick up any weapon and put it to good use. Shortly after that conversation she was passed. It does Sonny said that I just happen to be the director of the academy…lol. It was a most beneficial decision.
Etsuko or Sue Shiomi as she was also known remained active as an actress from 1973 to 1987. Aside from films she starred in several TV series during this time period.
Kikaider- superhero show on motorcycles- a different take on the sentai(rangers or Power Rangers here in the states) shows. Also part of the Kamen Riders universe. Androids appearing in human form. Etsuko played Mari an android in human form who originally started out on the side of Shadow, an evil organization bent on the destruction of the Kikaider. She also had a singing career during mid 70’s — mid 80’s. So as you can see a woman of many talents.
Sue made in the span of 14 years -40 theatrical films, appeared or starred in over 40 TV series and made several TV movies. Now if that is not being dedicated to their craft, I don’t know what is. She was one busy gal. She currently supports a charity cause and has put out 3 books Flowers & Inspire are the themes. So Etsuko, thanks for entertaining us all these years plus being so driven and focused. It is much appreciated.
Arrow Films-
Links to Etsuko-
IMDB-
Her Flowers and Inspire
Below-A tribute video showcasing her amazing skill in martial arts and athleticism…
Everyone I hope you had a good time reading this and that you pay this wonderful lady a stop via all the links on here . It is getting a little late — easy to lose track of time while gathering all of this together. Especially for all ye pop culture “nuts” . Me, I just can not get enough and with that I bid all a goodnight as I get ready to settle down for a long winters nap . Hey that’s the wrong story and besides we are way beyond that holiday. Well get out out of here you all… see ya next time..Shhh Don’t you say a word but while everyone is checking out all this info I’m jumping back into the DC Universe Infinite(Digital comic book service) . I left off right where Nightwing is forced to commandeer a car all the while chasing Harley dressed up as Batgirl. I did not see that one comin..oops . Don’t forget to turn off the lights and lock up the studio…this is “Doc” saying ciao for now…
