Ricky-Oh: So Bad It's AWESOME (and World-Building?)

Okay, so I just rewatched "Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky" (1991). I know, I know, it's gorier than a butcher shop convention, but hear me out. Ignoring the fact that it's basically a live-action Looney Tunes episode with exploding intestines, there's something weirdly fascinating about the world they set up. Privatized prisons in 2001? We're not totally there, but that dystopian, corporate-run hellhole vibe is definitely something that hits differently now. And the whole concept of martial arts being the only real power structure within the prison walls? That's kinda genius in a messed-up way. Specifically, the scene where Ricky punches through the guy's stomach to get the prison boss' tattoos? I mean, objectively, it's ridiculous. But then you start thinking: tattoos as a symbol of power, literally internalized and only accessible to someone with that level of brutal strength... it's a visual language this film uses so well. Plus, the whole backstory with Ricky's special chi powers being revenge for his girlfriend's murder... it's classic revenge flick tropes, but elevated by the sheer insanity of the execution. I'm not saying it's high art or anything, but for a movie that's mostly known for its over-the-top gore, "Riki-Oh" actually threw some interesting ideas at the wall re: prison systems and power structures. Anyone else think so, or am I just seeing things after all that flying blood? Maybe I should write a screenplay where privatized prisons use martial arts tournaments to decide who gets early release... It's got potential, right?