The Princess Blade

Directed by: Shinsuke Sato
Written By: Kazuo Kamimura, Kazuo Koike, Kei Kunii, Shinsuke Sato
Cast: Yumiko Shaku (Yuki), Hideaki Ito (Takashi), Shiro Sano (Kidokoro)
Fight Coordinator: Donnie Yen

In an unknown future, a group of assasins for hire, The House of Takemikazuchi, crushed any opposition to the new Japanese monarchy. Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) is one of these assasins and the last of the Takemikazuchi's nobility. In a plot weaved by the higher powers of the Takemikazuchi, Yuki rebels and runs off. In her hiding she vows venageance. But as time goes by and with the help of new friend, she begins to long for something more meaningful; peace.

Shurayuki-Hime (Princess Blade) is a beautifully crafted film. Hong Kong action legend Donnie Yen did a hell of a job coordinating the fight, turning the beautiful Yumiko Shaku into a lethal instrument of vengeance. The acting was superb, the characters do a good job telling their stories and their emotions. Yuki, especially, made you feel sorry for her and at the same time you just can't help root for this heroine as she struggled against herself, her world, and those who wants to destroy her. Takashi's character, though less defined in terms of purpose, is a good example of the tragic hero, a man who's fighting against all odds for both survival and for his invalid sister. These two come together and begin to share a common struggle.

When the fights began, it was signature Donnie Yen. It was a good combination of Samurai swordsmanship and Kung Fu acrobatics. Yumiko Shaku was beleivable as a tough action heroine, for she executed her moves seamlessly. Since this is a Japanese action movie, there is no holds barred on the violence, and though not for the squeemish, it's good for those who wants to see their action on-the rocks and not watered down.

I liked this film. It has great action, good acting, good story, and a beautiful cast.

Princess Blade is a product of GAGA Communications and OZ Productions. Distributed by ADV Films and Kadokawa Shoten. All Rights Reserved.

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