Movie Description 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.
| Credits | | Producer: | Sato Shiho, Taka Ichise | | Cast: | Yoichi Numata |
Notes DVD Features:
Region [unknown] Keep Case Letterboxed Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 - Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, Theatrical Release: AUGUST 8, 2003 (NY); AUGUST 15, 2003 (LA)
Editorial Reviews "...Bleakly compelling...With its stylized, near-surreal comic-book look and roots, THE PRINCESS BLADE has all the makings of a cult film..." Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (08/08/2003)
"...Impressively, the balance between the film's meditative pauses and its explosive sword fight scenes -- magnificently choreographed by Hong Kong star Donnie Yen -- could not be more effective..." Box Office - Wade Major (09/01/2003)
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