(2003)

review by:

1-30-04

Written by: Kei Kunii and Shinsuke Sato Directed by: Shinsuke Sato Starring: Yumiko Shaku, Hideaki Ito, Shiro Sano, Yoichi Numata

500 years in the future, a young girl named Yuki is a member of an elite assassin squad for hire, made up of the former members of the imperial guard. When she discovers that the one who killed her mother is none other than the leader of her group, she must betray her companions in order to seek her revenge and take her rightful place as head of the Takemikazuchi clan. Oh yeah, and she falls in love with a guy named Takashi who lives with his mute sister in the basement of a gas station. Bet you didn't think gas stations had basements, did ya? In the never-ending quest to find the cream of the Japanese film industry crop, we rented this actiony venture hoping to get another Kill Bill. While it in no way even comes close to comparing to the aforementioned cinematic gem, at least it wasn't the steaming pile that it could have been, like so many other action flicks. The Princess Blade is actually a pretty decent action movie. Donnie Yen does an excellent job with the action choreography, as this has some of the best non-Yuen Wo Ping-directed scenes I've seen in a movie. Unfortunately, there's no wire-work where the plot's involved, as it just falls flat on its face. Based on a manga (as so many Japanese movies are), there's no doubt issues upon issues of back-story and character development that was left out in order to make this 90-minute package. The plot's main weaknesses are apparent in the fact that there's not a lot of depth to any of the characters and you often get the feeling that there's a lot more going on than the film touches upon. Without giving too much away, there's a tragedy at the end that's caused by a third party who's never seen during the entire movie and only briefly alluded to twice, making the whole thing feel like a big copout. This movie also falls victim to the dreaded suddenly-motivated-hero-victory. You know the kind I'm talking about, where the hero's getting his ass kicked by the villain, and just before the final blow, the hero gets his second wind and takes out the villain in two moves. Mortal Kombat did it, Highlander did it, hell, even Kill Bill did it (but with style!). You want to know why the bad guy always loses? It's not for lack of ability; it's because writers won't let him win! In any case, if mindless action is your cup of tea, then grab a crumpet and have a party with this one. The sophisticated viewer need not apply however (unless of course you really like swords!).

AKA: Rebel Without a Clue

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