This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Five years ago, Chihiro was raped by three men. The crime was captured on video, its images hanging over her life like a sword. Having left her rural hometown for the big city, she has managed to start anew. She works an office job and is about to marry her boyfriend when one of her assailants shows up at her doorstep, threatens blackmail and warns her: they are back, it is happening again. Now waking to a recurring nightmare, Chihiro is shocked into an unexpected set of actions action that will keep her abusers close, forever.
One of the most memorable Japanese exploitation films of the 2000s, Takashi Ishii’s Freeze Me places a heavier emphasis on stasis, anger, and the haunting effects of sexual assault, than is usually customary for the rape-revenge genre. Icy, shocking and carried by Harumi Inoue’s bold performance, the film also serves as a culmination of sorts for director Ishii’s formalism (A Night in Nude, Gonin) and his time at Nikkatsu. Shot on 16mm for a small budget on the studios’ sound stages, this is an bitter and confrontational work that isn’t easy to recommend to all, but that nonetheless lingers in the mind as one of its director’s most refined ‘women in peril’ films — inviting allegorical readings that complicates its own base function as provocation and emphasize the horrors of Japanese patriarchy.
directed by: Takashi Ishii starring: Harumi Inoue, Shingo Tsurumi, Kazuki Kitamura, Shunsuke Matsuoka, Daisuke Iijima, Ito Yozaburo, Naoto Takenaka 2000 / 101 min / 1.85:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
2K Restoration
Interview with cinematographer Yasushi Sasakibara (17mins, 2025)
Booklet with new writing by Samm Deighan
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.744 / 5 from 125 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Freeze Me, a Japanese exploitation film, has received praise for its restoration, thrilling narrative, and excellent release. Customers highlight its haunting effects and bold performance, making it a standout in the genre.
"The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture!" — Paul K.
"Always love a good revenge film and this one definitely packs a punch." — Greg V.
"The movie is uber interesting with a terrific plot and very good acting!" — Paul K.
Reviews
Takashi Ishii is a legend
"Takashi Ishii is a legend and this is one of his best, some pretty hair raising moments here. I missed the slipcover but anyways, the package is great and booklet has a nice essay too. Happy with this purchase"
— Ben C. (5/5)
Watch Me
"Moves at a deliberate, icy pace that emphasizes the enduring trauma of its protagonist rather than cheap exploitation, the film is anchored by a brave, intense lead performance from Harumi Inoue."
— Kevin G. (5/5)
Excellent revenge film
"Beautifully shot rape/revenge film by Takashi Ishii. I had only seen this before on a bootleg vhs with questionable subtitles. The packaging, booklet and HD transfer look amazing. Highly recommended for any Ishii or exploitation fan."
— Chris F. (5/5)
Tough watch!
"Not a film that I would recommend to most, but a worthy watch for those who dare, and further evidence that Kani is one of the best boutique blu ray labels in the game right now for putting it out."
— James P. (4/5)
Loved it ! One of
"Loved it ! One of those films that only the japanese would dare to make."
— Daniel F. (5/5)
Kani Delivers the Goods Again
"Difficult watch, but rewarding all the same."
— Jonathan G. (5/5)
Excellent release.
"Excellent release."
— Miles M. (5/5)
Freeze Me
"Great exploitation film, great transfer. I'm glad I did the uprgade."
— Eric P. (5/5)
Freeze Me
"Best price out there; checked Amazon & EBay. Thank You"
— William M. (5/5)
Now do Gonin!
"Great time to be an Ishii fan, with this stellar release of Freeze Me from Kani, and Error 4444's upcoming Nami collection. Now, if we could only get a good US release of The Five"
— Bryan E. (5/5)
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