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Plot:
It's the era after the apocalypse, and Yuki, a female assassin (Yumiko Shaku), is stunned to discover that her mother's murderer is her gang's leader. When she confronts him, she's forced to go on the...( read more 
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:September 29, 2008The only good thing about this movie was the fighting scenes, apart from that the story was weak, pacing was too slow, characters were emotionless... I do like Yumiko, but wow her acting was so weak in this film. In other words, the story didnt develop the characters enough to even feel for them or care. Its not even suspenseful or thrilling. In the end, most will just watch it for the fighting scenes, the only redeeming bit. Oh and the music is ok too. If you are only aiming the Donnie Yen choreographed action, then you'll be satisfied, if you are looking for a good story, don't waste your time
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MCT:June 30, 2008In this time period, an unknown country is quarantined off from the rest of the world and finds itself ruled over by a tough dictatorship who employ a sect of assassins known as the Takemikazuchi to keep the peace. Amongst their number is a young girl by the name of Yuki (Shaku), whose family were the founding members of the clan. As her 20th birthday approaches, Yuki is suddenly faced with the awful truth that her mother was murdered by the current leader of the Takemikazuchi clan who calls himself Byakurai (Shimada). Opting to immediately seek revenge, Yuki finds herself outmanoeuvred and out-manned so she is forced to flee for her life. On the run, she comes across a young man by the name of Takeshi who treats her injuries and shows her that life is not all doom and gloom. However, Yuki is now faced with the dilemma of pursuing her new, and decidedly happier, lifestyle or facing her past and exacting the revenge she craves.
With the emergence of 'Versus' as one of the most popular action films in recent years, it was only a matter of time before Japanese filmmakers once again dipped into this genre. As such, 'Princess Blade' is their latest entry that is inspired by a Manga series and comes armed with an added element - the experience of Donnie Yen as action choreographer! So let's answer the question on everybody's lips straight away, is this film as good as 'Versus'? Well, the very simple answer is a straightforward "No". In truth, it's not even in the same league as, despite the best efforts of the cast (Shaku in particular), the over familiar story and poor pacing can, at times, make this film quite dull to watch. The post-apocalyptic vision of the future and marauding teen gangs that frequent this scenario seem to be recurring themes throughout Japanese cinema (see just about any manga series as an example) but no one seems to have told them that this story is wearing very thin. Added to this, Shinsuke Sato seems to have no idea how to pace an action film as even though the film opens and closes with a bang, the entire middle section of the film is devoid of any real revelations and seems to just fill in time before we finally reach the closing confrontation.
As for the action, Donnie Yen's presence does indeed prove to be a bonus here and his expertise is employed wisely. Each battle is well choreographed with some lightening fast swordplay and kung fu that benefit from Yen's trademark slow motion camera techniques and familiar use of split kicks. It's also interesting to note that, for some reason, either Donnie or the director has opted not to overdo the use of undercranking which actually makes the fights more exciting than any of Donnie's solo efforts thus far. The one real letdown though is the poor way that the fight sequences are integrated into the story. With the exception of the intro and the ending, there aren't really many other major bouts of combat to speak of and this really only leaves the viewer feeling somewhat unfulfilled when the final credits roll.
Obvious criticisms aside, 'Princess Blade' does still provide some entertainment thanks to some standout moments of action and a strong leading performance from Yumiko Shaku. Perhaps if a sequel is made (and the disappointing conclusion that leaves an open end would seem to hint at the possibility) then the producers could take more time over the story and combine the elements to create one heck of a film. For the time being though, 'Princess Blade' will just have to take it's place amongst the halls of average action films. -
MCT:July 20, 2007
Not as awesome as I had hoped, but still a lot of fun. I love samurai and I love Asian women, so this was nearly heaven.
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MCT:July 5, 2007
An average action flick with a small love story mixed in, not a bad film but it could have been better!
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MCT:July 3, 2007The Princess Blade isn't bad. It's a pretty good story about a man on the run, protecting is disabled sister, and a tribe of samurai assassins hunting the princess.
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MCT:June 19, 2007good movie fight scenes are made by donnie yen...cool girls that kicks ass again....
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MCT:June 3, 2007Pretty worthless. A friend and I saw half the movie, and we were both actually happy when his parents wanted to use the TV.
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MCT:May 24, 2007
I watched this movie only because I read that Donnie Yen did the choreography for the martial arts sequences. Guess what? Those fight sequences are the only good parts of the movie. Actually they are great parts of the movie. If you are a martial arts fan you will love the choreography that Donnie Yen has produced. They are visually stunning.
Everything else in this movie is boring as can be. All the characters and acting are literally emotionless. Basically what you get in this film is action, boredom, action, boredom, action, boredom, action, etc. As far as the story goes I haven't read the manga, which this is based off of, so I can't say if it follows it closely. Other than that the story wasn't all that interesting.
If you watch this film, it is recommended that you fast forward to the handful of Donnie Yen choreographed action scenes and skip everything else because you ain't missing anything.
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MCT:May 22, 2007
saw this at the portland art museums film festival a couple of years back. um....yeah...interesting premise but could have been better.
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MCT:May 13, 2007
It looks nice, but this wannabe sci-fi/action flick thinks it's supposed to be some kind of arthouse existential mumbo jumbo and fails on both levels.
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MCT:May 9, 2007
This movie seemed a little flat to me. Although the ending wasn't uneventful it still didn't seem to build up to anything so by the time the ending came around it also felt 'flat'. For me it didn't evoke any emotion and that wasn't because the main character was emotionless for most of the movie either.
The fight scenes were pretty good though and had some slightly cringe worthy moments, ie the 'blade in the hand', but that was pretty much the most eventful part of the whole movie. -
MCT:May 6, 2007
What few action moments there are in the movie aren't bad at all, kind of nifty, but nothing compared to how over-the-top other movies like Versus are.
Also, the plot sucks, and there's not enough backstory or character development whatsoever so all the not-fighting stuff going on is simply boring...*yawn* -
MCT:April 8, 2007
This is one of the best films I have ever seen! and as I have watched uncountable films, that is saying something LOL Its a terrific Japanese film set in a not so distant distopia.. A story with a sad ending, and a touching message. She (Yumiko Shaku) is the last princess of the assassins tribe, and finds out her mother was killed by the man now leading the tribe. She must run to save her life and to re-evaluate her thoughts. He (Hideaki Ito) is a young man trying to cope with the present, while being dragged into the past. His family was brutally murdered, all except his sister, who was so traumatised she no longer speaks. He was influenced by a man speaking compassionately about a new world - and ends up part of a terrorist organisation. He is now dealing with his actions, and waking up to the fact that the man he idolised had ulterior motives.. The two come together and start to heal.. but you cant escape the past....
Its a beautiful movie, melancholic and understated - and silence says more than words... A must see!.... -
MCT:March 17, 2007This movie is a total guilty pleasure of mine. Some neat directing near the beginning, Yumiko Shaku is totally hot with a sword... I really enjoy watching this movie for sheer entertainment :D
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MCT:January 11, 2007
A wonderful tale of coming of age and acceptance of duty. Gritty violence compliments the heart warming tenderness of some scenes.
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MCT:December 4, 2006
Underwhelming from the day for night opening. The fight scenes were OK, but the middle section really sucked, but any film with an unhappy ending gets an extra point from me!
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MCT:November 6, 2006I love Japanese films, and this one had an amazing story and the director captured the scenes fantastically!
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MCT:October 27, 2006
While the film features some thrilling action sequences, it suffers a lot from lack of development both in character and in story. Even still, it's a good movie in its own right.
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MCT:September 22, 2006Shit ass how. Don't waste your time. Girl isn't even hot or nude. Fight scenes suck. Shoudl kill the gu8y who recommended this show to me.
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MCT:September 14, 2006
i love this film it is such a powerful and sad story that makes u want to change everytime u watch it
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MCT:June 29, 2006
oooh!!! this is a really sweet movie!! about a girl hu was abandoned when she was a child, and she finds out that her boss killed her mom..and, yeah..u gotta watch it!!! but it's sad though, coz when she finds true love..the guy dies..it's sad.. =[
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MCT:June 22, 2006
Gersh. I bought this on DVD before watching it and man oh man was that a mistake. Basically no redeeming factors what so ever. Utterly boring, sure the fights are ok, keyword 'ok', but thats it. Where's the insane blood splatter?! And why is the pacing so slow and annoying?! I don't think I can say anymore!
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