This film piles on the visual style and avoids in-depth character development. Now, some may think that this is bad, and can result in a terrible movie. Well, it doesn't. It produces the closet thing I've seen to a filmed comic book, quite literally. Okay, Batman and Spiderman are fantastic film versions of comics, but this is like watching a comic book onscreen, with live action. With some excellent stunts, more human based than those of Crouching Tiger or Matrix, filmed in such a fantastic way, you can't help but be excited by them. The story, however, is a bit weak, and wouldn't warrant another viewing for some time, albeit leaping to the excellent fight scenes and death scenes. However, there is the most realistic death scene I have ever seen before, and also the most emotionally real anguish from an actor I have seen to date. If you are a fan of visually strong movies, with some good fighting action (the assassins use samurai swords, even against guns!) then this is a cracker for you.
47 Reviews
disappointing
winner556 August 2006
once we accept that the world we're looking at is in an alternative universe that developed along the same lines as our own, the fantasy element of this film is a little easier to bear.
unfortunately, even allowing that, the plotting is just way too heavy-handed and convoluted to be very much fun.
there are a lot of action scenes in this film - choreographed by the great Donnie yen - and for the most part they are well-done and very violent, which suits me fine; but they do have one big problem - Shaku Yumiko as Yuki - she doesn't know how to fight.
being a long sword best used held with both hands, the katana, or samurai sword, requires the body's complete and focused energy. in some styles, you swing it from the hips, in others from the back-bone; but if you have to swing it from the shoulder, you better have strong legs, because that's where the energy is really going to come from. if you swing from the shoulder alone, with no chi flowing from other parts of the body, you might as well be swinging a broom - definitely not the single lethal stroke the katana is designed to accomplish.
well, but that's what she does - she swings her katana from the shoulders. no wonder she gets banged around so much in this movie.
this can't be yen's fault, he's too well versed in traditional fighting techniques; and the other performers do fines. i think we're just stuck here with a young actress who lacks confidence. to some extent, that wouldn't even be her fault. no, it's the casting director, the producer, and the director who must take the blame for this one.
from the synopsis, i was expecting much more; instead, i got much less.
by the way, she doesn't act all that convincingly either.
unfortunately, even allowing that, the plotting is just way too heavy-handed and convoluted to be very much fun.
there are a lot of action scenes in this film - choreographed by the great Donnie yen - and for the most part they are well-done and very violent, which suits me fine; but they do have one big problem - Shaku Yumiko as Yuki - she doesn't know how to fight.
being a long sword best used held with both hands, the katana, or samurai sword, requires the body's complete and focused energy. in some styles, you swing it from the hips, in others from the back-bone; but if you have to swing it from the shoulder, you better have strong legs, because that's where the energy is really going to come from. if you swing from the shoulder alone, with no chi flowing from other parts of the body, you might as well be swinging a broom - definitely not the single lethal stroke the katana is designed to accomplish.
well, but that's what she does - she swings her katana from the shoulders. no wonder she gets banged around so much in this movie.
this can't be yen's fault, he's too well versed in traditional fighting techniques; and the other performers do fines. i think we're just stuck here with a young actress who lacks confidence. to some extent, that wouldn't even be her fault. no, it's the casting director, the producer, and the director who must take the blame for this one.
from the synopsis, i was expecting much more; instead, i got much less.
by the way, she doesn't act all that convincingly either.
Full of bloody and stylish sword-fights.
BA_Harrison6 June 2006
Not knowing too much about the film before viewing, I popped Princess Blade into the DVD player expecting a lighthearted disposable babes-with-swords action movie and boy was I surprised; instead of a throwaway plot and an emphasis on 'cool' visuals, I got a rather bleak and bloody tale of retribution and the futility of life.
Yuki is a member of the Takemikazuchi clankillers for hire who work for the reigning monarchy, disposing of any opposition. When she learns that Byakurai, head honcho of the clan, was responsible for the death of her mother, she seeks revenge. After failing to kill Byakurai, she flees the group, hotly pursued by her fellow assassins who see her as a traitor.
Narrowly escaping death by climbing into the back of a passing truck, Yuki is befriended by the driver, a rebel who is part of a terrorist organisation secretly fighting the establishment. The two outcasts grow fond of each other and plan to run away together, but it is not long before both of their pasts catch up with them with tragic results.
With stunning swordplay choreographed by top Hong Kong star Donnie Yen, a decent story and a strong visual style, Princess Blade is an admirable debut from director Shinsuke Sato. Despite a rather slow middle section in which time is taken to try and develop characters and flesh out the sometimes confusing plot, the film never bores, and when Yuki finally gets to exact revenge, she does so in spectacular fashion, chopping, hacking and slicing all those who dare to draw swords against her.
Bloody and brutal, this is definitely worth a watch for fans of the genre.
Yuki is a member of the Takemikazuchi clankillers for hire who work for the reigning monarchy, disposing of any opposition. When she learns that Byakurai, head honcho of the clan, was responsible for the death of her mother, she seeks revenge. After failing to kill Byakurai, she flees the group, hotly pursued by her fellow assassins who see her as a traitor.
Narrowly escaping death by climbing into the back of a passing truck, Yuki is befriended by the driver, a rebel who is part of a terrorist organisation secretly fighting the establishment. The two outcasts grow fond of each other and plan to run away together, but it is not long before both of their pasts catch up with them with tragic results.
With stunning swordplay choreographed by top Hong Kong star Donnie Yen, a decent story and a strong visual style, Princess Blade is an admirable debut from director Shinsuke Sato. Despite a rather slow middle section in which time is taken to try and develop characters and flesh out the sometimes confusing plot, the film never bores, and when Yuki finally gets to exact revenge, she does so in spectacular fashion, chopping, hacking and slicing all those who dare to draw swords against her.
Bloody and brutal, this is definitely worth a watch for fans of the genre.
Slow, sentimentalist and confusing
darkforcepet17 August 2005
As much as I like Japanese movies this one didn't just cut it... A movie that is supposed to be about rebels and the survival of a royal blood line turned out to be a very slow paced movie with a doubtful plot.
The photography is OK, though I've seen much better sword fight scenes in other Japanese movies, the fast cameras and the way they followed the characters didn't convince me at all. The soundtrack is so weak you don't even notice its presence.But worst of all was the way the plot evolved.I have to admit that, at some times, I had a hard time understanding who was who and what was going on...Anyway the platonic love between the main character and another one was completely unnecessary and seemed to come from a Hollywood influence.
All in all, if your looking for an action Japanese movie this isn't it. Its very slow, with very few sword fight scenes and very sentimental... in a bad way...
The photography is OK, though I've seen much better sword fight scenes in other Japanese movies, the fast cameras and the way they followed the characters didn't convince me at all. The soundtrack is so weak you don't even notice its presence.But worst of all was the way the plot evolved.I have to admit that, at some times, I had a hard time understanding who was who and what was going on...Anyway the platonic love between the main character and another one was completely unnecessary and seemed to come from a Hollywood influence.
All in all, if your looking for an action Japanese movie this isn't it. Its very slow, with very few sword fight scenes and very sentimental... in a bad way...
Vague convoluted plot, slick action
HappyPlants8 June 2004
Yet another offering from Japanese cinema in which we are treated to briefly exhilarating action sequences punctuating a vague and convoluted plot. Yet even the action never quite delivers. It opens with an impressive assassination, combining clever camera-work with well choreographed well edited moves. Unfortunately, with the exception of a couple of beautiful individual shots, it is a steady decline in quality from this point. The fights become briefer, duller and increasingly difficult to work out what exactly is going on. The plot is generic and the characters utterly two dimensional, while the subplot of the rebel organisation is half hearted. If you want a mindlessly fun, violent flick with big swords, bigger guns, gallons of blood and an absurd plot, rent 'Versus.'
A Good Try
NIXFLIX-DOT-COM31 August 2003
PRINCESS BLADE is a good try, with some good works by the female lead, who is actually quite impressive, perhaps more so because of her size. And yet, the movie isn't overwhelmingly good, with some very spotty sections and a lengthy background story concerning the main male character that manages to bore. Excise the male's story and concentrate just on the fugitive female lead, and PRINCESS BLADE would have seem more focus for it.
As it stands, the film offers a number of exciting sword action, and its anachronistic vibe is nicely done. Although for some reason the filmmakers through in a number of CGI scenes that shows a futuristic landscape.
6 out of 10
(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this movie and reviews of other foreign films)
As it stands, the film offers a number of exciting sword action, and its anachronistic vibe is nicely done. Although for some reason the filmmakers through in a number of CGI scenes that shows a futuristic landscape.
6 out of 10
(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this movie and reviews of other foreign films)
Visually Satisfying, Storyline weak
dilbertsuperman18 May 2005
If you are the sort that some action is enough to satisfy you this will be a seven for you. The lead female is very beautiful and athletic however the storyline is bordering on retarded. I would recommend watching this movie just to see the girl swordfight because she's really quite spectacular. However the story is pathetic and the movie can't quite get off the ground because of it. There are some crude heavy handed attempts at character development but they are awkward and sophomoric. The fight scenes are fun but it's obvious the camera tricks were used to cover up the lack of skill of some of the fighters. Yumiko Shaku is a rare gem of a human being, it's a pity her skills and beauty were wasted on this skimpy retarded plot.
Good elements, but disjointed
Nogami16 July 2004
Princess Blade had some good elements - the main character isn't the typical one-woman wrecking machine (like Uma in Kill Bill for example) and the element of vulnerability that it adds definitely makes the fight scenes better and more suspenseful. She can be injured and hurt - having a main character that isn't necessarily guaranteed an easy win without a scratch is good!
The subplot however, with Takashi and his sister is fairly weak. It gives the character some depth, but isn't really utilized in an effective way. The ending feels like the writers are jerking the audience around a bit.
I imagine many viewers will be left a bit disappointed as the credits roll. The movie has an "unfinished feel" to it and the ending feels about 15 minutes premature - I would've liked to see a bit more closure. As another reviewer mentioned, they probably left the end open to provide the basis for a sequel, however it's not very satisfying.
Worth a rental? Sure. Worth a buy? Not really.
The subplot however, with Takashi and his sister is fairly weak. It gives the character some depth, but isn't really utilized in an effective way. The ending feels like the writers are jerking the audience around a bit.
I imagine many viewers will be left a bit disappointed as the credits roll. The movie has an "unfinished feel" to it and the ending feels about 15 minutes premature - I would've liked to see a bit more closure. As another reviewer mentioned, they probably left the end open to provide the basis for a sequel, however it's not very satisfying.
Worth a rental? Sure. Worth a buy? Not really.
Not even worth the time it would take to laugh about it.
Minevitch26 March 2008
There is simply no use in trying to glorify any part of this film.
It was straight up trash. At the very beginning you might think that you are in for a visually stunning piece of cinematography... and then shortly thereafter you are hit with a large sack (burlap) of FAIL! The fighting is barely martial, the acting is teetering on the edge of par, and the music is not worth describing. There is only enough of a story to have created an excuse for this film to have been made. The decisions that the characters make and the way that they deal with the situations is weak, and did nothing but frustrate me. I think that the only reason this film came about was to act as a bit of fan service by using Yumiko Shaku.
It was straight up trash. At the very beginning you might think that you are in for a visually stunning piece of cinematography... and then shortly thereafter you are hit with a large sack (burlap) of FAIL! The fighting is barely martial, the acting is teetering on the edge of par, and the music is not worth describing. There is only enough of a story to have created an excuse for this film to have been made. The decisions that the characters make and the way that they deal with the situations is weak, and did nothing but frustrate me. I think that the only reason this film came about was to act as a bit of fan service by using Yumiko Shaku.
Dark Japanese action movie, with teenager cast
siderite23 October 2005
Like Japanese films are not dark enough, this story is placed in an alternate world, in a country which lost a war and hope, but it's pretty much a modern technology country and also a monarchy. This being said, the movie has no connection to the setting, which seems a bit odd. Also the cast was almost entirely made of very young actors, which gave an air of amateurism to the movie.
The action is decent, but not extraordinary, at times I've felt that the main actress was better without a sword than with one, since she always seemed to kill her opponents after she lost hers.
Actually, when you get down to it, the only cool thing about the movie was the atmosphere and the idea of seeking your happiness wherever it would be, after the important step of being true to yourself. The girl was cute, too, but that's besides the point. The reason I watched it it was the music was made by Kenji Kawai.
Conclusion: watch this movie if you are in the proper mood. It has little romance and almost to motivation one could relate to, other than a few clichés that aren't even explored thoroughly. That means girls will probably won't like it. It's not a splatter movie either, so your friends won't be liking it either. :) OK, it wasn't that bad. average.
The action is decent, but not extraordinary, at times I've felt that the main actress was better without a sword than with one, since she always seemed to kill her opponents after she lost hers.
Actually, when you get down to it, the only cool thing about the movie was the atmosphere and the idea of seeking your happiness wherever it would be, after the important step of being true to yourself. The girl was cute, too, but that's besides the point. The reason I watched it it was the music was made by Kenji Kawai.
Conclusion: watch this movie if you are in the proper mood. It has little romance and almost to motivation one could relate to, other than a few clichés that aren't even explored thoroughly. That means girls will probably won't like it. It's not a splatter movie either, so your friends won't be liking it either. :) OK, it wasn't that bad. average.
I kept hoping for it to end
Gpallen17 September 2004
I registered for IMDb just to comment on this movie.
I just got done sitting through this movie, and the only thing that impressed me, was that I somehow had the will power to not stop it.
I've seen a pretty decent number of action movies and what not, but Princess Blade has some of the worst fights I've ever seen in a movie. Most of the sword fighting involves mindlessly swinging the swords back and fourth and hoping the opponent isn't doing the same. I've seen a good many student films with better action and stronger plots.
So now we have a "futuristic" action movie with poor action, and virtually no sign of the future.
Most of the movie doesn't even have any action and shows the developing relationship with the Princess and the farmboy/terrorist and his disturbed sister. The movie has multiple plot lines, and none of them really pan out to be worth anything.
Part of the problem may have been that I watched the dub, which was quite bad. The entire cast mumbled all their lines so it was hard to follow what was going on. But I got the general idea. (Knowing exactly what was said would not have saved the movie in my eyes)
If you've heard about this being a futuristic action/ninja flick, then you've heard wrong. Thats what I thought it was when I heard about it, and now I've lost 90 minutes of my life. Don't let this happen to you. Steer well clear of it.
I just got done sitting through this movie, and the only thing that impressed me, was that I somehow had the will power to not stop it.
I've seen a pretty decent number of action movies and what not, but Princess Blade has some of the worst fights I've ever seen in a movie. Most of the sword fighting involves mindlessly swinging the swords back and fourth and hoping the opponent isn't doing the same. I've seen a good many student films with better action and stronger plots.
So now we have a "futuristic" action movie with poor action, and virtually no sign of the future.
Most of the movie doesn't even have any action and shows the developing relationship with the Princess and the farmboy/terrorist and his disturbed sister. The movie has multiple plot lines, and none of them really pan out to be worth anything.
Part of the problem may have been that I watched the dub, which was quite bad. The entire cast mumbled all their lines so it was hard to follow what was going on. But I got the general idea. (Knowing exactly what was said would not have saved the movie in my eyes)
If you've heard about this being a futuristic action/ninja flick, then you've heard wrong. Thats what I thought it was when I heard about it, and now I've lost 90 minutes of my life. Don't let this happen to you. Steer well clear of it.
Some very imaginative fight scenes!
luke_bale24 April 2004
I am quite surprised that this hasn't drawn more attention being one of the better asian films I have seen lately. The advert shows the film to be a mere action film while the fight scenes are certainly not every five minutes through out the film however the story is merely a way of taking you from one fight scene to another. The story is about two characters one of which consists of revenge so nothing new there and the other is about a rebel fighter which if more developed could have been a better main story than that of the simple vengance motive. Although the story does not have much to offer I found that I liked the characters all the same as the standard of acting was pretty high and the settings were always impressive including forest and industrial backgrounds. The fight scenes themselves I found to be very creative compared to alot of films with swords much more creative than kill bill with probably quater of the budget. Most films come down to expectations, if you expect some imaginative fight scenes and a slight story inbetween and some lovely back drops then you shouldn't be dissapointed.
Surprisingly different
Enchorde10 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Reacap: In a near future Japan, the feared Takemikazuchi-clan act as assassins only. With no regard or concern, if you pay - they kill. Interestingly, in a world were guns and rifles rule, they still use their swords and skills in martial arts. One young member of this clan is young Yuki, about to turn twenty. One night she is sent to hunt down a former clan-member that decided to run. The clan regards any member that leaves them as a traitor that must be killed. On this mission Yuki meets Kuka, who reveals the secret she is living. Her mother was the former leader of the clan, but the present leader Byakurai murdered her. Yuki now challenges Byakurai, but fails and flee. Now she is the target of her clan.
Comments: In my opinion this differs a bit from other Japanese action (samurai or ninja) movies. This movie is almost subdued, especially compared to many other such movies where the dialog is screamed, overacting the common practice and 10 meter jumps natural. This is nothing like that. Instead, the dialog is almost quiet, the colors are dark and grey is very prominent. The lead character, Yuki, is very withdrawn. The fencing and fighting is not subdued though, and this is the one place were Yuki excels. If you like Japanese fencing, you will surely enjoy these.
Unfortunately this movie lacks in some other areas. It is supposedly set in a futuristic Japan, ruled by a monarchy. But this is mostly just alluded to and not really explained or used. Yuki meets Takashi, who evidently is in the middle of a rebelling terrorist-group, but this is also not a prominent feature in the story. Surprisingly it is introduced into the move, and some controversy within the group is shown. But the sub-plot is never really used or developed, it's seems just to be a way to pass time. But it is important to the ending, and therefore it is a little surprising it is not shown more, and frankly it is a little confusing. The movie is not that long, and the time could easily been taken to develop this plot, and weave it into the main plot with Yuki (as it alludes that it is connected to it). That effort would have been very welcome, and should have been great for the movie.
As it is
7/10
Comments: In my opinion this differs a bit from other Japanese action (samurai or ninja) movies. This movie is almost subdued, especially compared to many other such movies where the dialog is screamed, overacting the common practice and 10 meter jumps natural. This is nothing like that. Instead, the dialog is almost quiet, the colors are dark and grey is very prominent. The lead character, Yuki, is very withdrawn. The fencing and fighting is not subdued though, and this is the one place were Yuki excels. If you like Japanese fencing, you will surely enjoy these.
Unfortunately this movie lacks in some other areas. It is supposedly set in a futuristic Japan, ruled by a monarchy. But this is mostly just alluded to and not really explained or used. Yuki meets Takashi, who evidently is in the middle of a rebelling terrorist-group, but this is also not a prominent feature in the story. Surprisingly it is introduced into the move, and some controversy within the group is shown. But the sub-plot is never really used or developed, it's seems just to be a way to pass time. But it is important to the ending, and therefore it is a little surprising it is not shown more, and frankly it is a little confusing. The movie is not that long, and the time could easily been taken to develop this plot, and weave it into the main plot with Yuki (as it alludes that it is connected to it). That effort would have been very welcome, and should have been great for the movie.
As it is
7/10
Absolutely Disappointing
eleesium12 June 2003
In the recent movement to bring Asian films over to America, this is THE LAST movie that should be released here. Being a big fan of asian movies from all genres, I was browsing the net and came across this soong to be re-released into the US market so I decided to check it out ahead of time and rent this at a local video store.
Trust me...the action scenes are incredibly disappointing, Crouching Tiger and Iron Monkey completely blew this movie out of the water. Jet Li would fall asleep watching the fighting sequences. If you're looking for martial arts entertainment, your time would be better off with a Jackie Chan flick!!!
Moreover...you think you're going to watch a martial arts with about a girl engulfed in vengence for her parents death BUT SURPRISE!!! A good hour of this movie in the middle has is filled with dialogue, an absense of action, the lack of devloping a tangent plot, pretty much NOTHING to do with the premise we are exposed to. It has more to do with the relationship between her and the boy, and the boy with his conspiracy group in which the producer/director dedicated no time in elbaorating, and yet dedicated a portion of the film dragging the issue. Would of been much better off if they had just cut that whole hour and developed the story in itself through another film and focus on the martial arts aspect.
Speaking of which, I really don't believe the choreographer of Iron Monkey, did the action sequence in Princess Blade. I was completely insulted in the frequent usage of slow motion and quick camera changes to portray the assassins physical swiftness. I just didn't buy it.
Please...I'm warning you to PLEASE do not waste your time/money with this movie. The premise is intrigueing, and the trailer might even tempt you but I am positive that this movie is NOT suited for the public (maybe in Japan but not in the states) and will be the worst film brought over to the states from the Asian film industry.
Trust me...the action scenes are incredibly disappointing, Crouching Tiger and Iron Monkey completely blew this movie out of the water. Jet Li would fall asleep watching the fighting sequences. If you're looking for martial arts entertainment, your time would be better off with a Jackie Chan flick!!!
Moreover...you think you're going to watch a martial arts with about a girl engulfed in vengence for her parents death BUT SURPRISE!!! A good hour of this movie in the middle has is filled with dialogue, an absense of action, the lack of devloping a tangent plot, pretty much NOTHING to do with the premise we are exposed to. It has more to do with the relationship between her and the boy, and the boy with his conspiracy group in which the producer/director dedicated no time in elbaorating, and yet dedicated a portion of the film dragging the issue. Would of been much better off if they had just cut that whole hour and developed the story in itself through another film and focus on the martial arts aspect.
Speaking of which, I really don't believe the choreographer of Iron Monkey, did the action sequence in Princess Blade. I was completely insulted in the frequent usage of slow motion and quick camera changes to portray the assassins physical swiftness. I just didn't buy it.
Please...I'm warning you to PLEASE do not waste your time/money with this movie. The premise is intrigueing, and the trailer might even tempt you but I am positive that this movie is NOT suited for the public (maybe in Japan but not in the states) and will be the worst film brought over to the states from the Asian film industry.
can't decide what it wants to be.
artizon5 December 2004
Based on "Lady Snowblood". Sort of a prequel, sequel, and remake at once. It is a good film in the end. Hoowever, some of th plots are just not explained and make us wonder why they were even thrown in. What was with that farmboy? Anyway, it takes place far in the future. We find Yuki (who was previously left somewhere in the Meji Restoration killing her smallpox-infected boyfriend with a short sword) in a group of samurai assassins, still a beautiful young woman. At twenty, she discovers that her employer was the one who led the brutal attack on her royal parents and made the purpose of her birth. She tries to kill him, but he is too powerful, and she runs out to a farm and meets a farmboy. He has a strange, mute sister and a past involving terrorism or something like that. Before long, the assassins start coming, so she must destroy them and finalize the revenge that she started in the previous two films. I recommend this. On first viewing, I hated it. On second, I loved it. Avoid the dubbed version, it is horrible. My complaints are the plot holes and her screams whenever she runs that really get quite irritating after a while. Still- 3 1/2 out of 5.
Not to talkative
Gold_Fish25 December 2005
I've seen the movie only recently, although it appeared in 2001. I hoped to see an entertaining movie, but let me tell you, Princess Blade is nothing compared to Azumi. The "princess" is not very talkative, as you may have noticed... She reminded me of Jean Claude Van Damme, who only stared to make his point, then beat the crap out of the opponents. During the entire movie, I waited to hear at least a confession about what she liked, why was she fighting, who did she love and trust. I waited in vain. Crappy movie. Crappy dialog. Don't watch it unless you want to be bored out of your minds! It's so bad, that in the end I was wondering how I managed not to scream in frustration 1 and a half hour. Approximately. I give a 4/10.
Is it a remake of Lady Snowblood or Cyborg?
AwesomeWolf17 February 2005
Version: Eastern Eye's R4 DVD - Japanese with English subtitles
I picked up 'Princess Blade' having heard that it was a remake of 'Lady Snowblood', but with a different take on the story. Also, it had 9 swords on the cover alone. That was very promising. It eventually turned it out to be remake of 'Lady Snowblood', but with the feel of Jean Claude Van Damme's 'Cyborg'. Nothing to be disappointed about, I enjoyed 'Cyborg' and I enjoyed 'Princess Blade' even more so.
In a future where Japan has seemingly suffered from war, and reverted back to a ruling monarchy without any democratic parliament, the government has hired a clan of assassins, known as the House of Takemikazuchi, to put down a rebellion. Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) is Takemikazuchi royalty, but not yet old enough to take her place as Princess Yuki of the House of Takemikazuchi. Only a few minutes into the movie Yuki discovers that Byakurai (Kyusaku Shimada), the current leader of the House of Takemikazuchi, took his place by murdering Yuki's mother, and so she must leave the group and reap vengeance. Awesome?
It sounds awesome, but not as action-packed as I had assumed. I thought that Yuki would have spent most of the movie reaping vengeance, much like 'Lady Snowblood', or Ryuhei Kitamura's more recent 'Azumi'. Despite the lack of constant reaping of vengeance, I was still able to enjoy this. There are long periods of non-action (most people refer to this as 'drama'), in which the movie explores themes that were also found in 'Lady Snowblood'. Yuki and Takashi are haunted by fates they think are beyond their control, when they always have a choice. If they did not have their love for each other, they would not have their love for each other. Even I have to agree that these themes are more important to the movie than Yuki reaping her vengeance.
I do not believe I just wrote that. There are some nice action scenes in 'Princess Blade', even if it occasionally looked like Yuki and Byakurai were flailing their swords around wildly rather than actually fighting. Hong Kong martial-arts movie legend Donnie Yen was the action-choreographer for this movie, and although he did a pretty good job, I think that in between this and directing 'Protege de la Rose Noire', he may have lost his awesome-touch from his earlier work. It is an enjoyable action movie, but far from being one of the best action movies I've ever seen.
Overall, 'Princess Blade' is an enjoyable movie. I would recommend it to fans of 'Lady Snowblood' and 'Azumi', even though both are better movies - 7/10
I picked up 'Princess Blade' having heard that it was a remake of 'Lady Snowblood', but with a different take on the story. Also, it had 9 swords on the cover alone. That was very promising. It eventually turned it out to be remake of 'Lady Snowblood', but with the feel of Jean Claude Van Damme's 'Cyborg'. Nothing to be disappointed about, I enjoyed 'Cyborg' and I enjoyed 'Princess Blade' even more so.
In a future where Japan has seemingly suffered from war, and reverted back to a ruling monarchy without any democratic parliament, the government has hired a clan of assassins, known as the House of Takemikazuchi, to put down a rebellion. Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) is Takemikazuchi royalty, but not yet old enough to take her place as Princess Yuki of the House of Takemikazuchi. Only a few minutes into the movie Yuki discovers that Byakurai (Kyusaku Shimada), the current leader of the House of Takemikazuchi, took his place by murdering Yuki's mother, and so she must leave the group and reap vengeance. Awesome?
It sounds awesome, but not as action-packed as I had assumed. I thought that Yuki would have spent most of the movie reaping vengeance, much like 'Lady Snowblood', or Ryuhei Kitamura's more recent 'Azumi'. Despite the lack of constant reaping of vengeance, I was still able to enjoy this. There are long periods of non-action (most people refer to this as 'drama'), in which the movie explores themes that were also found in 'Lady Snowblood'. Yuki and Takashi are haunted by fates they think are beyond their control, when they always have a choice. If they did not have their love for each other, they would not have their love for each other. Even I have to agree that these themes are more important to the movie than Yuki reaping her vengeance.
I do not believe I just wrote that. There are some nice action scenes in 'Princess Blade', even if it occasionally looked like Yuki and Byakurai were flailing their swords around wildly rather than actually fighting. Hong Kong martial-arts movie legend Donnie Yen was the action-choreographer for this movie, and although he did a pretty good job, I think that in between this and directing 'Protege de la Rose Noire', he may have lost his awesome-touch from his earlier work. It is an enjoyable action movie, but far from being one of the best action movies I've ever seen.
Overall, 'Princess Blade' is an enjoyable movie. I would recommend it to fans of 'Lady Snowblood' and 'Azumi', even though both are better movies - 7/10
5/10 is just right
KRMfan227 January 2005
I bought this movie without reading anything about it- a mistake on my part. Don't misunderstand me, it isn't a bad movie. It's just that it's more of a rental than a purchase. I wish I had known this before I picked it up last night.
The action here was astounding. It's some of the best I've seen in a while, and probably the best I've seen without obvious wire work. It's not violent, which works here.
Where this movie fails, I think, is in the plot. It is simple, easy to understand, but it isn't really complete. The middle section of the movie is especially slow, but there are a couple of high points- I found it a bit funny when the guy attempted to feed Yuki the bugs, and the part where Yuki helped him move all the stuff (except for that one barrel) I enjoyed.
I must admit, however, that the last half hour of the film almost made me forget how little I enjoyed the middle part. The first and third acts were astounding, but the second act... Meh.
Overall, I'd say that this movie is for people who are fans of this genre, but only as a rental. 5/10.
The action here was astounding. It's some of the best I've seen in a while, and probably the best I've seen without obvious wire work. It's not violent, which works here.
Where this movie fails, I think, is in the plot. It is simple, easy to understand, but it isn't really complete. The middle section of the movie is especially slow, but there are a couple of high points- I found it a bit funny when the guy attempted to feed Yuki the bugs, and the part where Yuki helped him move all the stuff (except for that one barrel) I enjoyed.
I must admit, however, that the last half hour of the film almost made me forget how little I enjoyed the middle part. The first and third acts were astounding, but the second act... Meh.
Overall, I'd say that this movie is for people who are fans of this genre, but only as a rental. 5/10.
Not convinced...
Nyagtha30 May 2004
I was really disappointed with this film. I am going to be brief: it felt like an extended Japanese episode of Xena Warrior Princess. It had the same sort of visuals and all the fighters seem to have been carrying around their own personal trampolines. The plot was barely worthy of the description "plot" and seemed as if it had been forced in to justify the action scenes. The film was certified 18 and yet I could not understand why this was the case. It felt like an old Kurosawa film with no real visual violence, just people being swatted at by a sword then turning to face the camera with a thin sliver of blood across their chest. During the middle part of the film nothing seems to happen and there is a wholly unecessary and unconvincing subplot involving some sort of terrorist with really bad hair.
My biggest problem with Battle Royale was that it was essentially a showcase for the director to have some young Japanese talent kill each other and there is little about this description which differs from Princess Blade. Like Battle Royale the director seems to think that the ocassional scene in which characters doubt whether killing is justified, or relate some story about a dead mother or dead lover are in some way supposed to give the film an emotional depth which absolves it from being termed merely a film about fighting.
Visually it feels like an MTV video and is probably less emotionally involving. I serioulsy recommend you watch another film, but if you feel the need to complete your Tartan Asia Extreme collection nothing is going to stop you stumbling across it. And then regretting doing so.
My biggest problem with Battle Royale was that it was essentially a showcase for the director to have some young Japanese talent kill each other and there is little about this description which differs from Princess Blade. Like Battle Royale the director seems to think that the ocassional scene in which characters doubt whether killing is justified, or relate some story about a dead mother or dead lover are in some way supposed to give the film an emotional depth which absolves it from being termed merely a film about fighting.
Visually it feels like an MTV video and is probably less emotionally involving. I serioulsy recommend you watch another film, but if you feel the need to complete your Tartan Asia Extreme collection nothing is going to stop you stumbling across it. And then regretting doing so.
Overall quite entertaining
Atavisten28 May 2005
Sometime in the near future we meet Yukihime and follows her on a vendetta against the killer of her mother which happens to be her present boss. What follows is a lot of sword fighting Hong Kong style with lots of invisible wires and tough situations and this is the sole reason to watch this movie. Its actors are not very talented, but their roles are flat enough for it to not matter. Yukihime herself is played by Shaku Yumiko who looks most like an JPOP-idoru, but really is OK. Amazing what editing can do. Backdrops of green covered mountains in blue mist and even some futuristic cgi is very good looking. Melodrama and bad music takes some away from the experience.
Response to Dude Below.
grasshopperking-115 May 2007
Thanks for watching the movie. Sorry you haven't seen any Japanese films worth watching. Do us all a favor, however, and please don't slam all Asian films as being inferior to Hollywood. If that's not a contradiction then I really must be missing something.
I don't think a movie like this should be considered great cinema, but it also shouldn't be put on the same level as a Wesley Snipes or Jean-Claude flick. This is a movie written by comic book artists and adapted to film. Along those lines, it did a hell of a lot better than a bunch of crappy animated-turned-movie flicks.
But I'm not writing this to defend this movie, I'm writing it to defend film making in general. To watch Godzilla and a couple of other stereotyped Japanese films and then talk about how they're almost rating up to Hollywood is kind of like calling my mother a whore and yourself the son of a turtle. I don't expect you to get that reference, because it comes from a culture that you obviously don't understand.
If you'd like to learn a bit more about the culture you're slamming, watch Ichii the Killer, or better yet, Swallowtail Butterfly, if you can find it. Ichii the Killer isn't the best Japanese film I've ever seen (Swallowtail Butterfly is), but it's way the hell up there in relation to such Hollywood crap-tas-tics as Titanic and Predator II.
Special effects do not make great cinema. Neither does something being made in the US, Japan, Russia, or my butt. Great cinema, like all great works of art, comes from great minds. Neither of us possess these talents, but unlike you, I will first learn about a culture before I slam it (and by learning about it, I am destined to end up NOT slamming it), and I will spend more time looking at the world from the eye of someone who wishes to learn rather than bash.....present case excepted.
Have a day.
I don't think a movie like this should be considered great cinema, but it also shouldn't be put on the same level as a Wesley Snipes or Jean-Claude flick. This is a movie written by comic book artists and adapted to film. Along those lines, it did a hell of a lot better than a bunch of crappy animated-turned-movie flicks.
But I'm not writing this to defend this movie, I'm writing it to defend film making in general. To watch Godzilla and a couple of other stereotyped Japanese films and then talk about how they're almost rating up to Hollywood is kind of like calling my mother a whore and yourself the son of a turtle. I don't expect you to get that reference, because it comes from a culture that you obviously don't understand.
If you'd like to learn a bit more about the culture you're slamming, watch Ichii the Killer, or better yet, Swallowtail Butterfly, if you can find it. Ichii the Killer isn't the best Japanese film I've ever seen (Swallowtail Butterfly is), but it's way the hell up there in relation to such Hollywood crap-tas-tics as Titanic and Predator II.
Special effects do not make great cinema. Neither does something being made in the US, Japan, Russia, or my butt. Great cinema, like all great works of art, comes from great minds. Neither of us possess these talents, but unlike you, I will first learn about a culture before I slam it (and by learning about it, I am destined to end up NOT slamming it), and I will spend more time looking at the world from the eye of someone who wishes to learn rather than bash.....present case excepted.
Have a day.
Stylish
Vartiainen23 February 2016
In the post-apocalyptic future the former guardians of the emperor have become a clan of assassins. But now their princess has departed from their ranks after finding out that the steward of the clan does not have her best interests in mind. And now she must flee from them all. The assassins, the government, the everyday people.
The Princess Blade is based on the manga Lady Snowblood by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura, and it is very much style over substance. But it is good style. The opening fight pretty much sets the tone for the entire film. If you're not hooked after it, you can safely turn the TV off or look for something else to watch. The film is barely nothing more than one big katana fight after another, with crazy stunts, back flips, lots of swords doing that drawing sound they never do in real life, cool poses and people getting cut down.
Though to be fair, the story isn't all that bad. It just isn't focused on enough. The Princess Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) flees from everything she has ever known and meets Takashi (Hideaki Ito) a rebel against the government, being forced to hide in his home. Both Shaku and Ito are good actors and have genuine chemistry together. It's just that aside from the action scenes, the movie is pretty hard to follow. People have conversations together, but none of the scenes connect with one another and in the end you're not really sure what this all means for the characters and the world they live in.
There are also some rather strange touches and details in the story, but I blame the fact that they were adapting a manga series for those. Such details can always seem strange and superfluous if you're not careful about which scenes to add and which to leave out.
All in all, The Princess Blade is worth a watch if you'd like to see a kung fu action film that takes place in the post-apocalyptic future. Its story is not terribly exciting, but the action scenes are good enough for you to enjoy the film as a whole.
The Princess Blade is based on the manga Lady Snowblood by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura, and it is very much style over substance. But it is good style. The opening fight pretty much sets the tone for the entire film. If you're not hooked after it, you can safely turn the TV off or look for something else to watch. The film is barely nothing more than one big katana fight after another, with crazy stunts, back flips, lots of swords doing that drawing sound they never do in real life, cool poses and people getting cut down.
Though to be fair, the story isn't all that bad. It just isn't focused on enough. The Princess Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) flees from everything she has ever known and meets Takashi (Hideaki Ito) a rebel against the government, being forced to hide in his home. Both Shaku and Ito are good actors and have genuine chemistry together. It's just that aside from the action scenes, the movie is pretty hard to follow. People have conversations together, but none of the scenes connect with one another and in the end you're not really sure what this all means for the characters and the world they live in.
There are also some rather strange touches and details in the story, but I blame the fact that they were adapting a manga series for those. Such details can always seem strange and superfluous if you're not careful about which scenes to add and which to leave out.
All in all, The Princess Blade is worth a watch if you'd like to see a kung fu action film that takes place in the post-apocalyptic future. Its story is not terribly exciting, but the action scenes are good enough for you to enjoy the film as a whole.
great in its simplicity
Sysel_CZ2 February 2004
Well, I like watching all easter-asian movies, so I came to watch this one too. I expected nothing extraordinary about this one, I treated it as another Hong-Kong action movie with cute girl as main character. When I saw it, I was surprised. This movie IS Hong-Kong action movie blah blah blah..., but I think although it comes from this generally not-so-good genre, it's quite good. In the borders of the HongKong-action-movie style, it is excellent.
Story is simple, but I don't think it is so much important in this type of movies. What really matters in these are action scenes, and I think they're very good. From the choreographic point of view, there was nothing wrong and that is enough to think that this is not a bad film in its category.
In addition, it has an emotional side. I know it's quite simple (after all, this is not a complicated-romantic-story etc.), but in the end I cried a bit thinking of sad fate of Yuki. And I must point out that movies don't make me cry very often.
So, my summary is that if you expect absolutely great movie, you can be disappointed; if you expect regular action movie, I think you will love this one. I do.
Story is simple, but I don't think it is so much important in this type of movies. What really matters in these are action scenes, and I think they're very good. From the choreographic point of view, there was nothing wrong and that is enough to think that this is not a bad film in its category.
In addition, it has an emotional side. I know it's quite simple (after all, this is not a complicated-romantic-story etc.), but in the end I cried a bit thinking of sad fate of Yuki. And I must point out that movies don't make me cry very often.
So, my summary is that if you expect absolutely great movie, you can be disappointed; if you expect regular action movie, I think you will love this one. I do.
Not Horrible
applezoid20 January 2004
It should be noted that I knew next to nothing about this film going in. I knew it had a cute Japanese girl on the cover holding a samurai sword, and I had seen a trailer for it which consisted of mostly action. Anyway it seemed like a no-brainer to me.
Thinking this film is a mere action flick would be a mistake, however, as the fights are more sparse than one might expect. The movie starts out as most martial arts movies do, with heavy themes of revenge. Yumiko Shaku plays Yuki, a member of an assassination group who were all once members of the royal family, who have since been exiled. Plot ensues when she finds out it was the leader of her clan who killed her mother, because she tried to escape the life of killing.
After narrowly escaping with her life, she ends up in the house of Takashi (Hideaki Ito), who is a rebel fighting the new monarchy. Far from trusting each other, they learn to befriend each other, realizing they both have the common goals of staying alive and not really liking their bosses very much.
The movie doesn't really concentrate on the revenge theme too much, as much as it contrasts the morality of a rebel killing for a cause, and that of an assassin killing for profit. The viewer must decide if Takashi is right, or that in the end it doesn't matter, either way people are dead.
The version I watched was the English dubbed, though I plan to go back and watch it in the original Japanese. The voice acting isn't horrible, though maybe a little stiff, and it is synchronized better than most Jackie Chan movies. The fights are particularly well done, a lot of the moves seem fresh, not as clichéd as more American movies tend to be.
The DVD is about as barebones as you can get. Other than the movie, you can watch the original trailer, change the language, and watch other ADV trailers. That's all, folks. Unless you really enjoy this movie, I'd wait until this one hits the bargain bins, or for a special edition.
Overall this movie won't make you think too hard, but the characters are somewhat endearing, if not a little unexplored, and it definitely doesn't fall into typical martial arts movie category. I give it a 7.5 / 10.
Thinking this film is a mere action flick would be a mistake, however, as the fights are more sparse than one might expect. The movie starts out as most martial arts movies do, with heavy themes of revenge. Yumiko Shaku plays Yuki, a member of an assassination group who were all once members of the royal family, who have since been exiled. Plot ensues when she finds out it was the leader of her clan who killed her mother, because she tried to escape the life of killing.
After narrowly escaping with her life, she ends up in the house of Takashi (Hideaki Ito), who is a rebel fighting the new monarchy. Far from trusting each other, they learn to befriend each other, realizing they both have the common goals of staying alive and not really liking their bosses very much.
The movie doesn't really concentrate on the revenge theme too much, as much as it contrasts the morality of a rebel killing for a cause, and that of an assassin killing for profit. The viewer must decide if Takashi is right, or that in the end it doesn't matter, either way people are dead.
The version I watched was the English dubbed, though I plan to go back and watch it in the original Japanese. The voice acting isn't horrible, though maybe a little stiff, and it is synchronized better than most Jackie Chan movies. The fights are particularly well done, a lot of the moves seem fresh, not as clichéd as more American movies tend to be.
The DVD is about as barebones as you can get. Other than the movie, you can watch the original trailer, change the language, and watch other ADV trailers. That's all, folks. Unless you really enjoy this movie, I'd wait until this one hits the bargain bins, or for a special edition.
Overall this movie won't make you think too hard, but the characters are somewhat endearing, if not a little unexplored, and it definitely doesn't fall into typical martial arts movie category. I give it a 7.5 / 10.
Simply totally redundant
PlanecrazyIkarus19 January 2003
Judging by some of the comments in IMDB, I was expecting an action movie - perhaps a dramatic one or a stupid one or a simple one or a comicy one, but essentially an action movie.
Whatever it is that I watched, it certainly didn't feel like a movie. The story is simple and straightforward (even though the prologue tries to make it seem complicated). Take three interest groups: 1) the government 2) the rebels 3) a group of assassins.
Now subtract the first (they never appear in the movie). Then simply let one of the assassins, the princess, become a rogue on a revenge trip. Add in a rebel love-interest with a guilty conscience. And you've got the ingredients.
But they still did not manage to turn it into a story or a movie. Between some random action sequences and some odd visuals trying to be Sci-Fi on a low budget, what you're left with is a feeling of emptiness. The movie just does not feel like a movie, but a weird, incoherent, boring dream.
Avoid.
2/10
Whatever it is that I watched, it certainly didn't feel like a movie. The story is simple and straightforward (even though the prologue tries to make it seem complicated). Take three interest groups: 1) the government 2) the rebels 3) a group of assassins.
Now subtract the first (they never appear in the movie). Then simply let one of the assassins, the princess, become a rogue on a revenge trip. Add in a rebel love-interest with a guilty conscience. And you've got the ingredients.
But they still did not manage to turn it into a story or a movie. Between some random action sequences and some odd visuals trying to be Sci-Fi on a low budget, what you're left with is a feeling of emptiness. The movie just does not feel like a movie, but a weird, incoherent, boring dream.
Avoid.
2/10
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