Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance

About Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance

"Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance", released in 1974, is a Japanese action thriller movie that serves as a sequel to "Lady Snowblood". It revolves around Yuki Kashima (also known as Lady Snowblood), played by Meiko Kaji, who is incarcerated for her past crimes of murder and vengeance. However, she is offered a chance at freedom if she agrees to execute a dangerous political dissident. What follows is a series of unexpected twists and turns as Yuki navigates the complex and perilous political landscape.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Toshiya Fujita and screenplay was by Norio Osada. It was based on the manga series written by Kazuo Koike. Behind its beautiful cinematography and violent action scenes lies Fujita’s critical commentary on Japan’s political and cultural climate at the time.

Actors

• Meiko Kaji as Yuki Kashima / Lady Snowblood: Kaji reprises her role as the titular character, delivering an even more intense and nuanced performance than the first installment.
• Jûzô Itami as Seishirô Kikui: Itami played the complex political dissident with conviction, making his character memorable.
• Kazuko Yoshiyuki as Ayano Kashima: Yoshiyuki portrayed Yuki's mother with great empathy, offering depth to the film’s backstory.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is hailed as a classic of its genre, blending stylistic action with a solid political plot.
• Meiko Kaji also performed the theme song for the movie, lending her haunting vocals to the musical score.
• Quentin Tarantino was greatly influenced by this movie and Meiko Kaji's character influenced the lead character in his "Kill Bill" series.

Quotes

• "After all, I'm used to this life. In truth, I may even enjoy it."
• "When I kill, I kill for justice."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's theme song, "Shura no Hana" (The Flower of Carnage), was performed by Meiko Kaji. It perfectly encapsulates the tragic and violent life of Lady Snowblood.
• The stirring and energetic musical score by Kenjiro Hirose heightens the emotions and tension of the film's many action sequences.