Bring Me the Head of the Machine Gun Woman, Exploitation from Chile

A sultry Tango dancer turned deadly hit-woman! It's time this blog pay more attention to exploitation films from Chile.  Thus we examine  2012's "Bring Me the Head of the Machine Gun Woman."  Clad in hooker boots, fishnet stockings, and little else, Chile's most expensive assassin, played quite capably by Fernanda Urrejola, goes through Chilean mobsters like the proverbial crap through a goose.  Shot like a comic book, director Ernesto Diaz Espinoza gives us a heartwarming story of vengeance and justice.

The machine gun woman (known here as MGW) is a former Tango dancer at a seedy club.  Humiliated and rejected by her BF, Che Longana (Jorge Alis), she becomes the sexiest and most violent assassin in the world.  Che is the biggest crime boss in town, and as our film begins, MGW is mowing down Che's men as they shake down a local market.  The killings are violent, gory, and seductive....  In one instance she straddles her victim, licks his face, then blows his face off.  Che is angered that MGW is putting a strain on his operations and puts out a million dollar offer to bring her to him, dead or alive.

Santiago (Matias Oviedo) is a loser.  He is a DJ at Che's club, and always had an infatuation with that mysterious Tango dancer.  He volunteers for the job.  Che is amused that Santiago believes he can bring in MGW, but gives him 24 hours to complete the task....or else!  Santiago is kinda capable for this job...he is a gamer and once mowed down a dozen bad guys with eight bullets in a pirated video game.  As Santiago gets closer to the MGW, he witnesses her bloody quest for justice first hand.  Now, falling in love with this goddess, Santiago must wrestle with a choice...  Does he complete his task, or does he try to get MGW to kill Che?  Uh oh....Che is not stupid, he has already taken measures to ensure Santiago will stay on task.  Of course, MGW starts on her quest to kill Che, but it won't be without cost.  Our beautiful protagonist will be put in much peril, as Che plans further humiliation for her.  As MGW shows a hint of a human side, Che pounces, determined to make her a love toy again before executing her.

 Will Santiago ultimately assist MGW, or succumb to Che's pressure?  Is MGW a metaphor for Chile's uncertain plight after their history of repressive governments?  Whether on the prowl with firepower, or in bondage, MGW always exudes danger and allure.  Available on Netflix, this is definitely a film you will want to experience.  Perhaps MGW's traits, which she exhibits so well in this film, are ones that we can carry over into new leadership styles.