Shocking Asia II: The Last Taboos (1985)

User Rating:

4.9/10   

Director:

Rolf Olsen

Writer:

Rolf Olsen (writer)

Release Date:

1985 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Mondo | Disturbing | Exploitation | Independent Film

Also Known As:

Shocking Asia II - Die letzten Tabus (West Germany)

Runtime:

Australia:91 min | France:85 min | USA:90 min

Country:

Hong Kong | West Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

West Germany:18 (nf) | New Zealand:R18 | Australia:R | France:-12 | South Korea:18

Filming Locations:

Philippines

Company:

First Film Organisation Ltd.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Shocking Asia III: After Dark (1995)

Fictionalized Narration

Weather or not this documentary offers a realistic take on Asia is up to the viewer, but it's not very likely. I have lived and/or worked on 4 different continents and thought I had seen everything from modernism to 3rd world life. However much of what you see in Shocking Asia 2, much like it's predecessor Shocking Asia 1 seems less shocking if you take out what appears to be fictionalized narration. Still there are some images that should be avoided if you are squeamish.

Some of the topics that are discussed includes a sacred monkey shrine, public cremation, eastern sex shops, faith healers and a host of other spiritual activities. Some of the segments seem to openly use sexploitation to help sell the video. If you are truly interested in Asian history and culture might I suggest the public library.