The late Spanish genre superstar Paul Naschy (who also wrote and directed) casts himself as Bruno Rivera, a mercenary who is recruited by the Yakuza. His worst nature is revealed when he double-crosses his associates, kills most of them, and makes off with a cache of diamonds. Mortally wounded during his escape, he is discovered in the woods by a peaceable family and nursed back to health. He of course is taken with the two beautiful daughters (played by Silvia Aguilar and Azucena Hernandez), but the whole bunch of them are hiding a big, ugly secret from him. One that is not too hard to figure out.
"Human Beasts" is full of sex, gore, humor, and atmosphere, in the best Naschy tradition. The story may not be one of his best, but it's pretty entertaining, and gets a lot of mileage out of the setting, and performances. A co-production between Spain and Japan, it co-stars Eiko Nagashima as Bruno's pregnant, spurned lover Mieko, who spends a lot of time and money tracking him down. Colorful supporting characters are a help, such as horny veterinarian Don Serafin (Pepe Ruiz), whose demise is a highlight. The climactic dinner party, with various incidental individuals, is a hoot.
Naschy is entertaining to watch as usual, especially in the early going when his character is more of a stone cold s.o.b. As his story plays out, his character regains some humanity, as he is touched by the kindness the family shows him. (However, he never forgets that he will have to retrieve his ill-gotten goods at some point.) He is also tormented by nightmares, and repeatedly catches sight of another beautiful woman (Julia Saly), whose identity is eventually made clear.
Nagashima is equally easy to watch (getting her top off at one point, as well), and Lautaro Murua delivers a standout performance as the genial Don Simon, the patriarch of the household.
All in all, this is a solid Naschy outing that definitely seems inspired by "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" to an extent.
Seven out of 10.
"Human Beasts" is full of sex, gore, humor, and atmosphere, in the best Naschy tradition. The story may not be one of his best, but it's pretty entertaining, and gets a lot of mileage out of the setting, and performances. A co-production between Spain and Japan, it co-stars Eiko Nagashima as Bruno's pregnant, spurned lover Mieko, who spends a lot of time and money tracking him down. Colorful supporting characters are a help, such as horny veterinarian Don Serafin (Pepe Ruiz), whose demise is a highlight. The climactic dinner party, with various incidental individuals, is a hoot.
Naschy is entertaining to watch as usual, especially in the early going when his character is more of a stone cold s.o.b. As his story plays out, his character regains some humanity, as he is touched by the kindness the family shows him. (However, he never forgets that he will have to retrieve his ill-gotten goods at some point.) He is also tormented by nightmares, and repeatedly catches sight of another beautiful woman (Julia Saly), whose identity is eventually made clear.
Nagashima is equally easy to watch (getting her top off at one point, as well), and Lautaro Murua delivers a standout performance as the genial Don Simon, the patriarch of the household.
All in all, this is a solid Naschy outing that definitely seems inspired by "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" to an extent.
Seven out of 10.