Intrigue

When the enigmatic woman Ryoko (played by Mishima-discovered female impersonator Akihiro Miwa) arrives at the Black Rose Mansion to perform, not only do the gentleman patrons seem smitten by her mystery and beauty, but past flames arrive to vie and die for her affections, as well. But things get even more complicated when the Mansion's manager and his wayward son both fall for the same dangerous woman.

Though mostly known for his gritty yakuza dramas and, now, his legendary cult film Battle Royale, Kinji Fukasaku's career ranges across (and liberally messes around with) many genres. Black Rose Mansion is one of his least definable films. Famous drag-star/singer Akihiro Maruyama stars in this feverishly perverse, campy and baroque freak-out. A wealthy playboy installs songbird "Black Rose" (Maruyama) in his elegant private men's club to bolster business - but he gets more than he bargains for when she attracts scores of homicidal past lovers, and not only he but his ne'er-do-well son end up falling for the femme fatale.