I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was first R-rated in 1982. In 1998, it was banned, before regaining the classification in 2004. Over the years, challenges have come from both Tasmania and South Australia.
It is currently R18+ rated and uncut.
I Spit on Your Grave
aka Day of the Woman
Directed by Meir Zarchi / 1978 / USA / IMDb
In July 1982, a 97-minute tape of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was passed with an R-rating. The reason given was ‘sexual violence’.
It was submitted by Video Classics but never issued.
At the time, Charles Band’s Wizard Video had made it available on tape in the USA. This may have been a copy of said release as PAL versions were also available for export. The connection between the two companies is reinforced by AUDITIONS (1978), THE BEST OF SEX AND VIOLENCE (1982), THE BEST OF NEW YORK EROTIC FILM FESTIVAL (1973), THE DRILLER KILLER (1979) and PINK FLAMINGOS (1972). All were Wizard titles that Video Classics submitted in 1981 and 1982, but ultimately never released.
Theatrical release
In December 1982, it was resubmitted under its original title of DAY OF THE WOMAN and was again awarded an R-rating for ‘sexual violence’.
The 101-minute videotape was described as being the ‘U.S. Modified Version’. This does not necessarily mean it was censored as controversy surrounded the American release. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) had awarded a cut version an R-rating. However, in February 1984 they had taken the producer to court accusing them of promoting it with this classification, despite adding sexual violence that would have now pushed it into the X category.
Five months later, the following note was published in the Australian Government Gazette.
May 1983
– Film Censorship Board
Title of production shown as DAY OF A WOMAN (U.S.A Modified Version) (December 1982 List) has reverted to I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (July 1982 List).
The applicant, Blake Films, went on to release it theatrically.
This daybill was used for the New Zealand release with an R20 rating ‘Contains graphic violence. Contents may disturb’ sticker masking the Australian R-rating
Also, the tagline ‘This woman has just cut, chopped, broken and burned four men beyond recognition… but no jury in America would ever convict her!’ has been removed. Presumably, this was done at the insistence of their censor.
Palace Explosive Video launched
In February 1984, for the third time, it was passed with an R-rating for ‘sexual violence’.
The 101-minute tape was submitted by Blake Films who released it as one of the first titles on their Palace Explosive Video label.
March 23, 1984
“Real murder.” said the advertisement in yesterday’s Daily Mirror, describing a film entitled THE KILLING OF AMERICA.Under a picture of the Statue of Liberty collapsing with a gashing stomach wound, the advertisement went on: “This incredible movie comprises real-life film of political assassination, mass murders, ritual killings and sex criminals.”
The movie happens to have an R classification. So does another film mentioned in the advertisement entitled I SPIT YOUR GRAVE, and a third movie, BLOOD SUCKING FREAKS. Lest thousands of Sydneysiders immediately put down their papers and go out to hunt eagerly for these uplifting films, the advertisement advised: “Ask your video specialist about these titles.”
The information the drooling consumer will probably get from the video specialist is that these videos will be available from next Monday, when their distributor, Palace Explosive Video, enters the market.
Ms Marilyn Bates, the national publicity manager for Roadshow Home Video My Ltd, said she saw nothing particularly bizarre or tasteless in such an advertisement “THE KILLING OF AMERICA is a documentary.” she said. “It is real footage.
“Basically the gun laws in America are to slack. Some incredible number of people have guns. They say: ‘Look, this is what happens in America. Don’t Iet it happen to you'”
What about the ritual killings and sex criminals described in the advertisement? All part of a cautionary tale, she said, adding: “It is an important controversial film.”
Palace Explosive Video is a division of Palace Home Video, which in turn is owned by three companies, Roadshow Film Distributors Pty Ltd, Blake Films Pty Ltd and AZ Film Distributors. The divisions of Palace Home Video were intended for specialist markets: Palace Academy for international upmarket films, Palace Vibrant for soft porn and Palace X for hard-core.
If THE KILLING OF AMERICA was an important documentary, did the same go for I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE? No. said Ms Bates, it was just part of the Palace Explosive range. I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was about revenge, and based on a true incident.
BLOOD-SUCKING FREAKS? Just a good, healthy bit of horror show entertainment No, it wasn’t even X.
Federal laws .relating to the entry of X-rated video films into Australia have been relaxed but complimentary State legislation is required for their sale or rental in the States.
In NSW, the legislation has been deferred till after the election so, for the moment, Palace X has nothing to offer.
– ‘Real murder’ – for home consumption
– smh.com.au
Currently, Palace Explosive is one of the most desirable labels for Australian video collectors. Expect to pay a large amount of money to put together the complete set of 39 titles.
During the life of the label, Palace had these films banned that would have likely been Explosive releases.
COLOR ME BLOOD RED (1964)
THE BLACK ALLEY CATS (1973)
CONVOY OF WOMEN (1974)
NAZI LOVE CAMP 27 (1977)
THE LAST SAVAGE PART 2 (1982)
SWEET AND SAVAGE (1983)
JUNGLE WARRIORS (1984)
MONDO SEXUALIS USA (1987)
Some of these were advertised as being Palace Explosive titles before being Refused Registration.
Missing in South Australia
The first Palace Explosive titles were reissued due to their popularity.
In June 1986, their dealer pack noted that ‘Due to censorship restrictions, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and BLOODSUCKING FREAKS are not available in South Australia’.
This was due to a backlash against violent videos in that state. The ban was later revealed to be not as comprehensive as had been hoped.
April 1988
The Video Industry Retailers.
9.35 – The retailers have a number of concerns which cover the retailing aspect of the industry. One of their concerns is the anomaly in classification which has arisen with the tightening of the classification guidelines during 1984. The retailers claim that on occasions a film which is to be released on video has been refused a classification whereas the same film still has been available for viewing in theatres as the classification for theatre release was given prior to a change in the guidelines. Both the South Australian Video Retailers Association and the NSW Video Retailers’ Association cited instances of this happening. SAVRA said:‘Another thing that I did raise in the report was the anomaly in the situation. Taking DEATH WISH II as an example, once it does get into the Gazette and is banned on video, it is still not banned in theatres. I believe there is a need to tie up that problem, so that once the Film Censorship Board bans a film from video use, then it should be banned simultaneously from theatre release. We have an anomaly here in that BLOODSUCKING FREAKS, was banned as a video, but shown at the drive-in; just recently, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was banned as a video, but shown at a theatre in Hindley Street.’ (Evidence, P. 457).
9.36- The retailers believe that if material for video release is refused classification, such refusal should also apply to theatrical availability. With the various changes in the Film Censorship Board’s guidelines films have been given a classification based on the guidelines operating at the time of the classification application. The progressive changes to the guidelines make it possible for films which would have attracted a rating earlier to be refused a classification rating now.
– Report of the Joint Select Committee on Video Material
– Parliament of Australia
Tasmanian trouble
In 1987, the Attorney-General of Tasmania challenged the classification of the Palace Explosive tape. The Films Board of Review went on to uphold the decision of the Censorship Board and the R-rating was retained.
July 30, 1987
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was referred to the Films Board of Review by the Attorney-General pursuant to Section 30 of the Australian Capital Territory Classification of Publications Ordinance 1983, at the request of the Attorney-General of Tasmania. The basis of the requested review was to consider whether, having regard to possibly changed community standards since the decision of the Film Censorship Board in February 1984 to classify this title ‘R’, it may now not be contained in the ‘R’ classification but should rather be refused classification.Five members of the Film Board of Review viewed I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE.
A minority felt that the videotape should be refused classification owing to the length of the rape sequence, the prolonged physical and mental anguish suffered by the victim, and the degree of violence perpetrated in revenge.
The Film Board of Review was unanimously of the opinion that the video deals strongly with themes of sexual violence and aggression.
In the view of the majority, however, the video fitted into the ‘R’ classification in that the violence, was not explicitly shown; nor shown in excessive detail. The emphasis in the rape sequence was felt to be focused less towards a gratuitous display of violence than towards a revelation and questioning of adverse and demeaning attitudes and actions towards women. These attitudes are central to the act of gang rape and are indicated in the dialogue throughout the video, without being endorsed.
Overall it could be reasonably argued that the video condemns such actions and attitudes without advocating the kind of excessive revenge portrayed later the woman. Her violent acts of shooting, murder by hanging, axing in the back, castration, and disembowelling, while clearly adult viewing material, were, in the opinion of the majority, sufficiently visually discreet to warrant ‘R’ rather than refusal. It was felt that the major focus was from the woman’s perspective, indicating the horror of rape, rather than the relished enjoyment of its display. Viewed in this way, it was the judgement of the majority of the Board that the rape and violence were not presented for exploitative purposes.
Accordingly, the Films Board of Review confirms the decision of the Censorship Board to classify I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE ‘R’.
– Films Board of Review report
April 1988
7.19 – The extent to which decisions of the Film Censorship Board are overturned by the Films Board of Review varies from year to year, but it has ranged over the years from 0 per cent to 69 per cent of appeals.7.20- One appeal that was aimed at a more restrictive classification was heard in August 1987. This was the only time an appeal has been initiated by the Commonwealth Attorney-General. It was done at the request of the Tasmanian Attorney-General who had asked the Commonwealth Attorney-General to call for an appeal against the R classification given by the Film Censorship Board to the film I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. It was felt in Tasmania that the level of violence in the film might have justified a complete ban. In fact under Tasmanian legislation the Tasmanian Attorney-General could himself have appealed directly to the Films Board of Review but he chose to work through the Commonwealth as an exercise in Commonwealth/State co-operation. The Films Board of Review dismissed the appeal and the film retained its R classification.
– Report of the Joint Select Committee on Video Material
– Parliament of Australia
Geoff Gardner joined the Films Board of Review in 1985 and was one of the members that reviewed I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. On his blog, he provided some background and reminiscences.
April 18, 2010
For the record I myself was once a member of this Review body. I am pleased to advise that while I was frequently accused of worrying too much about what children might get frightened of, like that great space-age spider in something called AN EWOK ADVENTURE or some such, we never actually banned anything in my time.In one special case that was tested when we faced considerable pressure to take action over a dire flick (in my view anyway) called I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. The film had been referred to the Board, despite being in video circulation for years. Some cheapjack lawyer down in Tasmania had discovered his clients were getting a lot of sympathy from judges in that backwater when the lawyer mentioned that his clients’ criminal behaviour had resulted from a viewing of the aforementioned movie.
Banning it would apparently cause violence towards women to cease instantly down there among the apple pickers. A narrow majority thought the film didn’t deserve to be verballed in this way and wouldn’t play along. Nothing more was heard about any further outbreaks of serial criminal behaviour resulting from seeing the film. Or, if it was, nothing more was reported to we members.
– Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
– filmalert.blogspot.com
Rereleased on VHS
Video Excellence reissued I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE in either in 1987 or early 1988.
It again ran 96:30 (PAL) and was uncut.
Third VHS
The final video release was issued on a ‘no name’ label sometime in the mid-1990s
It ran only 89:51, some seven minutes shorter than the Palace Explosive and Video Excellence tapes. It is unclear what and why the footage was removed. However, part of the time difference was due to the end credits being shortened.
Banned in Australia
In March 1998, the R-rating that it had held for sixteen years was changed to RC. This was due to rising censorship under the Howard Government. It was described as being a ‘Classification Board (Reclassification)’. The 97-minute running time indicates the first two video releases were the target.
Technically, any of the three previous tapes should have been withdrawn from rental. In practice, little changed, as it could still be found in many video stores.
Six-year ban is lifted
In March 2004, Force Entertainment announced they would be releasing the film on DVD on May 20. Their plans were soon thrown into doubt by the OFLC.
April 13, 2004
Postponed until further notice
Dear Valued Client
The Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) has been withheld classification on our intended May release of ‘I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE’.We are appealing their decision and as a matter of priority will keep you informed as to its re-scheduled release date.
Thankyou for your ongoing support and please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.
– Force Entertainment
Force provided us with the following explanation.
July 2004
When we originally applied for re-classification earlier this year we released the full blown movie without the cuts and reframing Elite had to make for their Millennium Edition. It was the title only with no supporting commentaries, trailers or documentation.The OFLC, after delaying our application past the 21 working days on a verbal message by some 2 weeks, issued a lame statement saying they were convinced the submitted title was the same cut as was submitted some years previous and that its RC rating still applied. This was, I am sure, a device to bury the title again.
– To: Refused-Classification.com
– From: Force Entertainment
On 4 June 2004, they received an R (Strong sexual violence) rating for their DVD. The OFLC’s change of heart was down to extra features on the disc.
July 2004
– To: Refused-Classification.com
What convinced us to re-apply was the Joe Bob Briggs commentary where he spells out the definition of rape as a violent act remote from any sexual involvement. If the censors were to deem the content “sexual”, one would have to seriously question the ethics of those “guardians of morality” at the OFLC. This was suggested in our application and reference drawn to the intellectual arguments raised by Zarchi, Briggs et al. in the documentation.
– From: Force Entertainment
The Director of the OFLC, Des Clark attempted to justify the decision.
July 2004
According to Force Video’s Andrew Parisi, their initial submission was refused classification on the grounds that it was the same version (duration) submitted in 1998 which according to the Board, “deals with matters of sex and violence in such a way that it offends against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent it should be classified RC”.However, once Force re-submitted the film with DVD extras (directors commentary etc) but no edits, the film was re-considered, and eventually granted an R classification. “It is important to note that the DVD version is a modified version from the versions that have been refused classification in the past,” reveals Clark. “The decision was R with consumer advice ‘Strong Sexual Violence’ for the DVD release.
According to the Board report, “In making this decision to classify the modified version of the film R, the Board considered a range of issues, including the age of the film (1978), the community’s tolerance of similar films that examine sexual violence within a non-exploitative context, and the contextual information supplied through such additional material as the directors commentary (which examines the film in a serious context)”.
– Region 4 No. 38
This appears to have been the first time the OFLC had used this type of reasoning to pass a film.
It was used again in April 2010 to justify lifting the ban on SALÒ, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM (1975). During the May 2010 Senate estimates, Trevor Griffin from the Classification Review Board was unaware that it had been used before in the case of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE.
July 2004
At long last, Force Entertainment will have the pleasure of releasing the much anticipated and controversial film I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE fully UNCUT in it’s original, raw and uncompromising form.After a 17-year [actually 6-years] ban from distribution in Australia, we have sourced a new 16 X 9 anamorphic telecine transfer complete with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound from Director Meir Zarchi, who has worked closely with Force to present the film as he intended it to be seen.
This will be the only UNCUT English PAL version available here at home and internationally, it’ll be jam packed with never before seen extras and scheduled for a September release.
Now, finally, watch the film they didn’t want you to see!
– Force Entertainment
In his excellent commentary track, Joe Bob Briggs commentary says that ‘It’s still banned in Australia to this day’. This is was indeed true when it was originally recorded for the American Elite Entertainment Millennium Edition DVD.
The uncut DVD ran 96:57 (PAL) and was released on 13 September 2004.
September 2004
An unflinching portrayal of violence and horror as a rape victim seeks the ultimate justice.
Completely Uncut
Long before BAISE-MOI and IRREVERSIBLE, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE changed the face of cinema.“A tough film to recommend but one that certainly deserves to be seen.” – efilmcritic.com
“Shocking, sickening and disturbing… It may not be pleasing to look at, but the effect of the film is unquestionably strong.” – Monsters At Play
“One of the most uncompromising and uncomfortable representations of the violence of rape in screen history.” – Horrowview
When I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE debuted in America, conservative critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert launched a campaign against the film that resulted in it being pulled from distribution only a week after it had opened. Shocked by Meir Zarchi’s harrowing images of degradation and revenge, they dubbed it “the most disgusting movie ever made”, and spearheaded what became a global campaign to bury the film and its Director.
This storm of controversy had two significant effects:
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was banned in many countries, including Australia, and it became a cinematic legend.
Banned for 17 years [actually 6-years] by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, the original, uncut version of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE has long been called too ugly, too violent and too terrifying to watch. Others have called it a powerful and suburb cinema.
Is this a misogynistic film or a truly feminist one?
Are women empowered or exploited by the revenge fantasy?
Does this film still have the power to disturb and divide audiences?
NOW YOU CAN JUDGE FOR YOURSELF.
With startling new commentary from Director Meir Zarchi, the Australian DVD release is the richest and most complete edition of this film to date, featuring a new anamorphic telecine transfer, trailers, tv spots, photographs, posters, filmographies, reviews and articles, an Australian and New Zealand Special Supplement, and much more!
– Force Entertainment
SA challenge
In October 2004, the South Australian Classification Council (SACC) met to consider the R-rating awarded to the Force Entertainment DVD. The Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, had asked them to review the film for condoning ‘sexual violence against men’.
The SACC is an unnecessary organisation that has the power to review ratings awarded by the Classification Board. In 2004 to 2005, following complaints by the Christians, they increased 9 SONGS (2004) from R to X and reviewed the classifications of BIRTH (2004) and MYSTERIOUS SKIN (2005).
In this case, good sense prevailed and the R-rating was retained.
October 7, 2004
Consideration of film I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE
BackgroundThe Council received a complaint that this film should be classified RC because it condones sexual violence against men. The complainants also made a complaint in similar terms to the Attorney-General, who asked that the Council consider it.
The film was classified R18+ by the national Classification Board on 4 June 2004 with consumer advice indicating strong sexual violence. This was a majority decision. Some members of the national Classification Board would have classified it RC. Before this date, an earlier version of the film had been classified RC.
The Council met to consider the film on 7 October 2004. The Council viewed the film and read various reviews as well as the reasons for decision of the Classification Board.
Film content
The film, made in 1978, is the story of the rape of a young woman by four men and her subsequent revenge on them. The first part of the film establishes her arrival in the area, the interest taken in her by the four men, and the rape scenes. The rape sequence is protracted, with the men first attacking her repeatedly in a public place and later appearing in her home to continue the attacks. The second part of the film depicts the victim carrying out revenge by killing each of the four men in turn. The killings in two cases involve seduction for the purpose of murder.
Applicable law and guidelines
The Classification (Publications Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 sets out the matters to be taken into account in classification:
19. The matters to be taken into account by the Council or the Minister in making a decision on the classification of a publication, film or computer game include-
(a) the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults; and
(b) the literary, artistic or educational merit (if any) of the publication, film or game; and
(c) the general character of the publication, film or game, including whether it is of a medical, legal or scientific character; and
(d) the persons or class of persons to or amongst whom it is published or is intended or likely to be published.
The national Classification Code requires that:
Classification decisions are to give effect, as far as possible, to the following principles:
(a) adults should be able to read, hear and see what they want;
(b) minors should be protected from material likely to harm or disturb them;
(c) everyone should be protected from unsolicited material that they find offensive;
(d) the need to take account of community concerns about:
(i) depictions that condone or incite violence, particularly sexual violence; and
(ii) the portrayal of a person in a demeaning manner.
The Code further states as to the category RC, that this contains films that:
(a) depict, express or otherwise deal with matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena in such a way that they offend against the standards of morality, decency or propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that they should not be classified; or
(c) promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence.
The category R contains ‘films (except RC films and X films) that are unsuitable for a minor to see’.
The classification guidelines provide that films will be refused classification if they contain any of the following:
Detailed instruction or promotion in matters of crime or violence.
Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions of:
(i) violence with a very high degree of impact or which are excessively frequent, prolonged or detailed;
(ii) cruelty or real violence which are very detailed or which have a high impact;
(iii) sexual violence.
Films classified R include those the impact of which does not exceed high. They can include violence and sexual violence if justified by context.
Council deliberations
The council noted that the film depicts sexual violence both against men and against a woman, and indeed that this is a substantial part of its content. A majority of the Council thought that the film could be accommodated within the R category. A minority of the Council believed it should be classified RC.
Majority view
The majority noted that although the impact of the film was high, it did not exceed high because:
– although depicting strong violence, the film does not appear to promote or incite violence. The presentation of events is matter-of-fact. The film does not espouse any moral position or try to persuade the viewer to a particular stance. The victim of the rape is, during the first half of the film, presented sympathetically. In the second half of the film, the viewer observes her revenge but with little sense of sympathy or triumph. The film does not condone the rape. The interpretation is open that the film condones the revenge, but equally it can be read as showing that violence breeds violence, or that the rape has entirely altered the character of an otherwise peaceful person.
– the film, although naturalistic in style, was unconvincing in its portrayal of the experience of a rape victim. For example, the victim did not have difficulty continuing to reside in the house where the rape had occurred and did not show anxiety when alone in places where she might expect to encounter the attackers. She did not show any fear of approaching them again but rather invited two of them to her home. She behaved seductively toward two of the attackers, including having sexual intercourse with one and taking a bath with the other, without apparent difficulty. This, together with the rudimentary character development and inadequate motivation for the behaviour of the characters, made the film seem unbelievable. This tended to distance with viewer from the events depicted and so reduced impact.
– inasmuch as the film seeks to portray the experience of a rape victim and her subsequent revenge, the portrayal of violence is integral to the story rather than gratuitous or exploitative. Strong-impact depictions of violence are found in films classified MA, for example, in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. High-impact depictions of sexual violence, including rape, are found in some R films, for instance, THE ACCUSED and IRREVERSIBLE, often in the context of a revenge theme. The majority thought that the violence in this film was of no greater impact than the violence in some other classified films.
– a present-day viewer of the film would be conscious of its lack of sophistication. Only one story is told, events occur in a linear time-sequence, dialogue is minimal, characters are clichéd and flat, there is no musical score, development of the story is slow and the relations between events in the film are simple and obvious. These factors work against the viewer becoming emotionally engaged in the film.
Although depicting sexual violence against both sexes, therefore, the film’s impact did not exceed high. Having regard to the general principle that adults should be able to see what they want, the majority judged that this film did not violate public standards of morality, decency and propriety to the extent that it should be refused classification. The film is clearly unsuitable for minors, who should be protected through an R classification. The public can be protected from unwanted exposure to the content by the consumer warning ‘Strong sexual violence’.
Minority view
The minority considered that the film consists largely of depictions of sexual violence that are exploitative or offensive, and of violence with a very high degree of impact. The scenes of violence are excessively prolonged and detailed. The film lacked any artistic merit that could outweigh these concerns. The film violates public standards of morality in its portrayal of sexual violence and in its apparent acceptance of murderous revenge, to the point that it should be refused classification.
Decision
By majority, the Council decided not to alter the existing R18+ classification.
– South Australian Classification Council report
DVD rereleases
In 2006, Force Entertainment reissued the film as part of a Meir Zarchi double-bill DVD that paired it with DON’T MESS WITH MY SISTER (1985).
Soon after, Force became Beyond Home Entertainment and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was back on DVD for the third time.
Blu-ray release
In March 2011, a 349-minute DVD was awarded an R18+ (High impact sexual violence) rating. In comparison, the 2004 consumer advice had been ‘Strong sexual violence’.
The applicant, Anchor Bay Entertainment, released it on DVD and Blu-ray the same month.
The reissue was done to coincide with the 2010 uncut remake. Incidentally, that was classified R18+ (Graphic violence and high impact sexual violence) in August 2010.
February 2, 2011
Anchor Bay Presents A Double Dose of Vengeance.
In 1978, Meir Zarchi’s I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE shocked audiences all over the world with its horrifyingly grisly tale of vengeance. Now, over thirty years later, Anchor Bay announces the release of a 2010 remake of the cult classic, bringing an entirely new level of revenge.The 2010 remake of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE has been directed by Steven R. Monroe and stars Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson, Daniel Franzese (MEAN GIRLS), Rodney Eastman (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3 & 4), Chad Lindberg (THE LAST SAMURAI), Tracey Walter (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) and Andrew Howard (REVOLVER). The original 1978 film’s writer/director Meir Zarchi lends his talents as executive producer.
In I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE a beautiful woman from the city, rents an isolated cabin in the country to write her latest novel. Soon, a group of local lowlifes subject her to a nightmare of degradation, rape and violence. Left for dead, she returns for vengeance. Trapping her male attackers one-by-one, she inflicts acts of physical torment upon them with a ferocity that surpasses her own ordeal. When the carnage clears, victim has become victor.
To support the release of 2010’s I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, Anchor Bay Entertainment has also announced the re-release of the digitally remastered original cult 1978 film on Blu-ray and DVD.
The 2010 remake of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and the original 1978 version will be available to own on DVD and Blu-ray from March 16, 2011.
– Anchor Bay Entertainment
Australian TV premiere
In March 2014, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was screened on the World Movies pay-TV channel.
March 17, 2014
Due to popular demand, World Movies is bringing you another week of unforgettable films that changed the film industry forever. More Films That Shocked The World starts tonight at 9.30pm and is set to push the boundaries of controversial cinema further than ever before.From an outrageously twisted cult-classic to a violent look at a real-life serial killer, these are the films that have shocked, outraged and been banned around the world.
Before the week kicks off, let’s take a look at why these films were so scandalous.
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (USA) – Australian Television Premiere.
– The stories behind the scandalous ‘More Films That Shocked The World’
Tuesday 18 March 9.30pm.
– World Movies