This is, arguably, the sickest and most reviled of all exploitation pictures, and for good reason. Its controversial history is infamous, and its fame in the annals of horror is undeniable. That is why any serious horror buffs are going to want to watch this "classic", which is given the revival treatment with this jewel of a DVD.

In 1978, writer/director Meir Zarchi, and his crew of low-budget filmmakers set off to make a little movie; an exploitation film, which would develop into 'Day of the Woman'. Little did they know, that the film would cause such controversy, and mature into the gore-drenched horror classic I Spit On Your Grave - the movie's eventual moniker. Almost 30 years after its debut, the film has retained its hardened reputation, as well as its capacity to shock and repulse. This really is hard-core fare, and no words can really prepare the viewer for the events that unfold.

Perhaps influenced by Wes Craven's 1972 slasher Last House on the Left, Zarchi's film tells the tale of Jennifer Hills (Camille Keaton), who leaves the Big Apple and ventures into the American countryside, in order to find peace and quiet to write her first novel. Naturally, things don't go to plan, and the gorgeous writer is harassed by a group of local country boys. As soon as their harassment has begun, the proceedings turn nasty, and Jennifer is attacked and raped several times. Presumed dead by the group, the battered and bloody Jen ceases writing her book, and turns her attention to plotting grisly revenge...

Anyone with interest in horror history, will have come across this gem more than one, and the poster for the film clearly defined the nature of it. As the DVD box art proclaims: "This woman has just chopped, crippled, and mutilated four men beyond recognition...but no jury in America would ever convict her...". Sheer class. We don't get tag-lines like that these days.

This really is the pinnacle of the "rape-revenge" sub-genre of the splatter flick, which was started by Last House, and brought with force to the screen by Zarchi. Words cannot describe the sheer power of the violence on display - the first rape scene (and every other act of violence) is unflinching in its representation, and totally sickening. Zarchi makes us feel her pain, and we are left with an overpowering wish to see the criminals die horribly. The director makes us feel her bloodlust, making the events seem correct and with reason. The whole film is washed with that uncomfortable sensibility, and Zarchi knows exactly what to do in order to get a reaction from his audience. The deaths are gruesome and calculated, providing a true gut-punch.

Many reviewers dismiss I Spit as mindless crap, which is the mass opinion for most "horror fans" brought up on safe fare like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th. I use the term "safe" to describe these films, since they are far removed from the discomforting reality that I Spit generates in its best moments. But as a piece of entertainment, Zarchi crosses the line all too often, and asks the viewer many questions upon their own morals. In most respects, there is intelligence behind the slaughter, but the blood factor is too extreme, and drowns most of the social subtext.

Compared to other drive-in flicks, Zarchi's only claim to fame is perhaps one of the best of the breed. But it does have some genuine flaws, most of which are produced by the screenplay, or the low-budget feel of the piece. Zarchi's script seems to flow into sadistic fantasy at times, and on occasion grinds any sense of reality to a hault. The dialogue also slips below par in some scenes, but for the most part, the script is generally superior to most horror ventures. It maintains suspense and interest, and the events leading up to the revenge plot are effectively written.

Acting is surprisingly strong, and Keaton is effective in her role, providing the only principle female in the flick. She manages to carry the picture, although she spends a lot of it naked, or at least exposed. But she has a sense of humanity about her, and the revenge scenes are performed with gusto (which also ups the disturbing factor). Eron Tabor as the lead thug is particularly slimy, and conveys true disgust. He is matched by fellow cohorts Anthony Nichols and Gunter Kleemenn, who do little in the scenes they are in, but provide sufficient support. But the best male performance, is arguably from Richard Pace, as the mentally-challenged Matthew, who manages to create sympathy from the audience successfully.

As you may have guessed, this is definitely not a film for everyone, and it will only appeal to certain types of film enthusiast. Horror aficionados who like their movies with extra bite will no doubt find interest here, but everyone else should steer well clear. It isn't a mainstream title, and this DVD happens to be totally uncut, so anyone with a sensitive disposition will find much to be outraged by. I Spit On Your Grave was, and still is, a shocking and disturbing film, and it wears that title with pride. A flawed, but effective masterpiece.