The Princess Blade
Joe Nguyen, staff writer
Oct. 9, 2003

"The Princess Blade" is a story that's based off on the manga, "Shurayukihime," by Kazuo Koike, who is best known for creating the "Lone Wolf and Cub" series. The story is set 500 years in a post-apocalyptic future. Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) discovers that the leader of the assassin clan she is part of was responsible in the death of her mother. When she confronts him about it, the clan turns on her and she is put on the run for her life. While on the run, she meets Takashi (Hideaki Ito) who reluctantly takes care of her. As time passes, feelings between the two grow stronger.

Yumiko Shaku stars as Yuki in "The Princess Blade"

I wasn't sure what to expect when I was walking into this movie. It was based off of a manga that I wasn't familiar with and from what I read from other critics, it seemed like this wasn't going to be that great of a movie. Boy, was I mistaken.

"The Princess Blade" was released by ADV Films, whose claim to fame has been for all their animé releases. This movie moved and felt like an animé. From the camera angles to the acting to the movement of the story, it was just like watching Japanese animation with real people with the chase scene in the woods to the big, deep-voiced tough guy.

The action scenes in this movie were incredibly well done thanks to the choreography of Hong Kong film star, Donnie Yen ("Iron Monkey," "Hero"). The best fight was the one between Yuki and the clan leader's lover. The sword fight while running in between the trees was well done, and reminiscent of something you would see in "Ninja Scroll." There's one part in the scene where the lover stands over Yuki and licks the blood of her face. That just signifies pure evil right there.

The acting was pretty good. Yumiko Shaku's debut role was a good one. Although she looks small and cute, Yuki was cold and deadly and Shaku played this out perfectly. Kyusaku Shimada was a good villian. His cold demeanor, voice and presence made him intimidating.

If you're in a fan of Japanese animation or are just looking for a movie that has a little bit of everything including action, romance and drama, go check it out.

Joe gives "The Princess Blade":

Joe Nguyen is a staff writer for asiaXpress.com. You can reach Joe at joe@asiaxpress.com.

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