'Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss (1970)' tells the story of a drifter who rolls into town and aligns herself with an all-girl gang, soon helping them overcome the threat of a male gang working with corrupt cops. Though Meiko Kaji would go on to star in all four of the flick's follow-ups, it's actually Akiko Wada who plays the title role here. She's an androgynous, no-nonsense biker with a strong singing voice and an equally strong loyalty to the new friends she has only just met. The plot plays out almost like an old western, with a mysterious stranger wandering into town and getting wrapped up in some sort of local trouble before wandering back out again. Filmed with an abundance of unmistakably seventies style, the movie carves its own unique place within its genre. It's typically an energetic and lively experience. However, despite its relatively fast pace, it often feels somewhat 'slow'; it meanders a little during its calmer moments and its actual plot takes a while to properly kick in. Having said that, it is enjoyable. Its low-budget doesn't dampen its effect, even if it is usually rather evident. It's a solid film with a refreshing focus on strong female characters. 6/10
