Lady Snowblood: Films (1973-74)

Lady Snowblood: Blizzard from the Netherworld (1973)

Dir. Toshiya Fujita

Yuki Kashima was conceived without love and birthed for one reason: to be an instrument of posthumous vengeance for her mother.

The film is a clash of styles that merge together to create something unique and freeform. When it works, it’s a breathtaking example of Japanese B-movie vengeance cinema that's overly bloody and shamelessly violent. It knows what viewers want and it delivers it coloured blood-red.

It has much in common with the Lone Wolf and Cub films; it lacks the finesse of that series but Yuki cares little for finesse.

Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance (1974)

Dir. Toshiya Fujita

The first Lady Snowblood film was a stylish tale of vengeance and family honour, but, sadly, the sequel isn't its equal.

It places Yuki in the middle of a political situation that doesn't give her sufficient room to breathe. The result is a film that's bleak from beginning to end.

The dreary feeling is further enhanced by poor lighting and camera-work that's mostly uninspired. I've watched it a number of times with an open mind each time but my post-credit feelings are always the same.