Calamity of Snakes

Exploitation films, by their nature, are designed go too far.  Whether the intention is to shock, titillate or disgust, the goal is to go at least one step further than the audience will expect.  1982’s Calamity of Snakes takes on the challenge and succeeds, at least in terms of unsimulated animal violence shown on screen.  Essentially a “snake snuff film,” this Hong Kong via Taiwanese production proceeds to chop, slice, dice, stomp, chew and burn its way through hundreds of reptiles to, ironically, tell the story of snakes wreaking vengeance against an unscrupulous real estate developer.

After mercilessly killing a nest of snakes with an excavator for slowing down construction of new condominiums, those responsible see the luxury high-rise invaded by an army of slithering death.  Recruiting a kung-fu snake charmer and guilt-ridden architect, humanity fights a losing battle as the serpents surround party guests at the swanky opening night party.

 

A you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it combination of Jaws and Irwin Allen disaster movies, there really is no redeeming value to director Chi Chang’s film.  But you could say that about nearly every grindhouse picture worth its salt.  It’s mere existence – and that alluring cover art on the poster – is enough to make fans of a certain persuasion bump it to the top of the watch list.  

 

The snake massacres are off-putting to say the least; even those with a phobia for the species will find themselves cringing in sympathy.  But the film’s most successful scene is a ridiculous “snake-fu” sequence that involves a puppeteered python.  Calamity of Snakes proves once again that Asian cinema will go to any lengths to win you over…or turn you off!  

 

Unearthed Films covers their bases exceedingly well with this Blu-ray release, the first time the film has everhit home video.  For those who want to enjoy the camp without the cruelty, a “cruelty-free” cut is also included which excises about 15 minutes from the running time (a rough looking uncut version included in the extras adds in a couple seconds of nudity).  To put things into perspective, an hour-plus documentary about Hong Kong horror (and the rise of the Hong Kong film industry in general) goes along with a scene-specific commentary track, plus interviews, alternate credits and an image gallery.    

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