Lady Snowblood (Shurayukihime, 1973)
Fujita Toshiya
Japan
98 min, color, Japanese (English subtitles)
The incredibly stylish film (check out all the shots that mix blood on white, whether snow or kimono) is a little known entry in the niche of female samurai films. The protagonist is a woman and a deadly one at that. Of course, she is stunningly beautiful, just in case one is not entirely captivated by her sword-wielding skills. With a great story, well-done action sequences, and talented acting, the entertainment value of LADY SNOWBLOOD could not be ruined even by the awfully cheesy 1970s Western music.
The year is Meiji 6, and the country reels after the dissolution of the 300 year old Tokugawa shogunate. The empire is undergoing the first stages of militarization, which involves the first ever compulsory draft. Some unscrupulous shady characters run a "get out of the draft" scam, which involves spreading rumors that people dressed in white are government secret agents. The ruffians brutally murder a teacher on his way to the village where he is to work (he wore white), dispatch his son, and rape his wife. The wife manages to take revenge on one of the attackers but is arrested and thrown in jail before she could finish her task. In jail, she seduces every guard in sight in order to bear a child to complete her vengeance. This "child of the netherworld" is Yuki, Lady Snowblood (Meiko Kaji), and the film is the story of her cold revenge that takes place twenty years later.
The film is suffused with impressive imagery, and the narrative has several unexpected twists and turns. All for the better, as it keeps the story interesting beyond the visual candy, of which there is plenty. The blood and gore are also well-done, even if blood tends to spurt as if from a well-shaken Coke can. Most definitely a tad above the other (more famous) swordplay films, LADY SNOWBLOOD is a sight to behold. There's also a sequel, LOVE SONG OF VENGEANCE, which is not as good, but for Meiko fans, a must-see nevertheless.
May 20, 2001. BLS