Princess Blade (2002)

Inspired by a manga series, Princess Blade boasts having Hong Kong style action with Japanese special effects. Having the expert guidance of Donnie Yen on fight choreography works remarkably well with the more contemplative Japanese film style making one wonder why this sort of collaboration doesn’t place more often.

The mood and setting is grim and harsh. An indistinct future where a government hires assassins to squelch rebel uprisings is the broad backdrop for a more personal story of one woman’s escape from a cruel life of death. Yuki is the last in her bloodline of a clan of assassins presumably dating back to feudal Japan when ninja clans hired out their services to the highest bidder. As the story unfolds, Yuki learns that her mother, once ruler of the Takemikazuchi assassins was ordered to be killed by the current ruler, Byakurai. Failing to take revenge, she is hunted down. She escapes and eventually makes her way to the home of Takashi, a reluctant rebel who abhors the senseless killing around him. They develop a bond where Yuki turns her back on her harsh past in search of emotional meaning. But both of them eventually must confront their fates as Takashi attempts to quit his service as a rebel while Byakurai and the remaining assasins confront Yuki for a final showdown.

Metallic and washed out tones used throughout the film compliment the cold loss of humanity that the principle characters exhibit. Unfortunately, the filmmakers’ statement about the senseless nature of killing without question is weakened by the bland performances of Hideaki Ito and Yumiko Shaku. In addition, the setting which includes several brief Bladerunner-esque shots hints at an intriguing futuristic world that we never get to see since all the location shots take place in a rural environment.

The action is superbly crafted, often employing several of Donnie Yen’s signature moves. From slow-mo scissor kicks and spitfire dueling to dramatic perspective and the use of dirt and water to emphasize intense motion, Yen’s contribution to the film is significant.

The original soundtrack by Kenji Kawai who has scored for both film and television is memorable and adds luster to the film.

Another version of Princess Blade came out in 1973 and may be better known in the west as Lady Snowblood. Director Shinsuke Sato’s modern version lacks the former film’s depth and superior acting. Nevertheless, with plenty of gritty stylized action, moody visuals and tight pacing within a relatively short running time, Princess Blade blatantly cries for your attention and gladly gets mine.