DVD | Lady Snowblood

Lady Snowblood is a Samurai Slasher movie that was one of the main influences for Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies. The plot, some characters and scenes in Kill Bill are very close to those in Lady Snowblood.

In fact the only thing that makes Kill Bill worth watching over Lady Snowblood is that Tarantino does bring a clearer, more modern feel to the genre.

Watching Lady Snowblood is tiring at times, but then it was made in 1973! But the story is still compelling and raises many questions. Lady Snowblood is basically conceived for the purpose of revenge. Her mother had everything taken from her by a band of rouges and when she sought revenge, she was imprisoned. In prison she seduced every male she could in order to get pregnant so that her child could seek revenge on her behalf.

So Lady Snowblood is born dammed, with one singular purpose in life. A purpose that she trains for, and becomes very efficient at.

After watching this movie you’re left not knowing what to think. The movie is definitely entertaining (for it’s age) and has some plot twists, humour and good fight scenes. But the theme of giving birth purely for revenge seems a little harsh.

Of course you could say that the band of rogues were harsh and got what they deserved, but what kind of a life does Lady Snowblood have?