Movieo
Poster for Princess Blade

Princess Blade

2001 · 1h 35m · R Action, Science Fiction
Directed by Shinsuke Sato

Seen it?

Overview

Yuki is the last surviving royal of the House of Takemikazuchi or Takemikazuchi no Hime (たけみかずち の ひめ), who live in a futuristic post-apocalyptic isolationist world where they use their skills as former Mikado guards to become hired assassins. The wise old sage Kuka, who was once Yuki's mother's bodyguard, gives Yuki information that changes her life—and her destiny. She discovers that Byakurai has a dangerous connection to Yuki. After learning this information she chooses to leave the House of Takemikazuchi. She soon encounters Takashi, leader of the rebel movement, who offers Yuki a chance at revenge—and perhaps love. They soon discover similarities for they are both trying to escape the past to start new lives....

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
57%
Tomatometer
Rotten

Delicately rendered, if full of pretty banal sentiments, the film's softer central section is a necessary counterweight to the other two acts, which are largely shot in an oppressive blue filter.

Derek Elley, Variety
Rotten

[Yumiko Shaku] doesn't project the confidence or menace that the role requires. Trying to pass her off as a stone-cold assassin is like casting Britney Spears as Marie Curie -- it just doesn't jibe.

Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News
Rotten

Its corny streak brings the movie too close to cut-rate Chinese Opera epics than should be allowed.

Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Fresh

Great movie, mediocre script.

Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Fresh

The cast, in its quiet, iconic way, is superb.

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films