Lady Snowblood

About Lady Snowblood

Lady Snowblood, directed by Toshiya Fujita, released in 1973, is a thrilling film based on a manga series written by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura. The story revolves around 'Yuki,' a woman born in prison, who is raised with a single purpose to seek vengeance against those who wronged her mother.

Making / Production

The film was a production of Toho Studios. Toshiya Fujita directed the movie, while it was co-written by Norio Osada and Kazuo Koike. Lady Snowblood is noted for its stylish cinematography and creative storytelling that combines the elements of both graphic violence and poetic justice.

Actors

• Meiko Kaji as 'Yuki Kashima / Lady Snowblood': Yuki is the main character in the film, who delivers a powerful and chilling portrayal of a single-minded avenger.
• Toshio Kurosawa as 'Ryūrei Ashio': He plays a journalist who uncovers Yuki's story and is meticulously portrayed as a complex character navigating a difficult profession.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The ‘Lady Snowblood’ movie was a significant influence on Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series.
• The main character, Yuki, was given her name which translates to 'snow' to associate her with coldness and death.

Awards

Whilst the film didn't garner any particular awards during its time, it has since achieved cult classic status and is highly regarded by critics and fans alike all around the globe.

Quotes

• "Too many ties can break you." - Yuki Kashima.
• "I have no such things as dreams...When the path of vengeance is over, I am to be extinguished." - Yuki Kashima

Music, Soundtrack

• The film features a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Masaaki Hirao. This soundtrack adds depth to the film, creating tension in action scenes and layering emotional moments.
• The theme song, 'Shura no Hana' ('Flower of Hell'), performed by leading actress Meiko Kaji, became very popular and is still remembered and associated to the movie even today.