The Princess Blade (2003)

Synopsis: Model and rising pop star Yumiko Shaku stars as Princess Yuki in this thrilling Japanese martial arts actioner based on comic-book characters created by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura. Yuki is the... Model and rising pop star Yumiko Shaku stars as Princess Yuki in this thrilling Japanese martial arts actioner based on comic-book characters created by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura. Yuki is the last surviving royal of the House of Takemikazuchi, who arrive in a futuristic post-apocalyptic isolationist world where they use their skills as former Mikado guards to become hired assassins. Essayist and actor Hideaki Ito plays Takashi, leader of the rebel movement, who offers Yuki a chance at revenge--and perhaps love. Theater veteran Yoichi Humata is excellent in the key role of the wise old sage Kuka, who gives Yuki information that changes her life--and her destiny. And Kyusaku Shimada is appropriately villainous as Byakurai, who has a dangerous connection to Yuki. With THE PRINCESS BLADE, Shinsuke Sato has crafted an impressive feature-film directorial debut, with able assistance from action director Donnie Chen and special effects master Shinji Higuchi. The settings of many of the fight scenes are cast in gloomy grayness and foggy shadows. Taro Kawazu's cinematography beautifully matches the mood of this classic tale of good versus evil. [More]

Starring: Yumiko Shaku, Hideaki Ito, Shiro Sano, Yoichi Numata

Starring: Yumiko Shaku, Hideaki Ito, Shiro Sano, Yoichi Numata, Kyusaka Shimada, Yoko Maki

Director: Shinsuke Sato

Director: Shinsuke Sato
Screenwriter: Kei Kunii, Shinsuke Sato
Producer: Sato Shiho, Taka Ichise
Composer: Kenji Kawai

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