Lady Snowblood

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 1, 1973 (Japan)

DVD Release Date: May 11, 2004

Plot 411: A girl is born for one purpose and one purpose only - revenge.

Review: This is a revenge story that sucks you in from the start. A child is born for the purpose of seeking vengeance against the people who hurt her mother and killed her mother's husband and son. The baby is born in prison and her mother dies in childbirth. Raised by a priest to hunt down and kill the bandits that harmed her family, Yuki is stunning as she moves and executes such horrific ends. She is does not feel remorse as she seeks her revenge one by one. It is her duty - nothing more, nothing less. It is about honor and sacrifice. It is the Japanese way. I think this is a great movie that seems to hold up well even though it's been over 25 years since it's been released. Interestingly, Quentin Tarantino was inspired by this movie and pays homage to it in his Kill Bill Vol. 1.

Watch It: And you'll feel empathetic about Yuki's life journey.

Skip It: If you prefer all the technological advantages of today's movies.

Trailer: