Returned to this after almost a decade, because I thought it might be worth revisiting after getting really into samurai/Japanese films in the past few years. I guess Lady Snowblood would technically qualify as a samurai movie? Maybe? The title character is more of an assassin/warrior than a samurai or ronin, and I guess the samurai age ended closer to the middle of the 1800s, and this film's set right at the end of that century... but I mean, all the action is very samurai-esque, with high-pressure blood-spurts, limbs flying every which way, and plenty of swordplay. It's got that samurai feel to it.
It's all very satisfying, and comparing it to other similar action films from Japan released around the same time, it's certainly one of the stronger ones. I think it's about on par with some of my favourite Zatoichi films (that series isn't nearly as popular as Lady Snowblood, and deserves a little more love), but I think I might personally prefer the Lone Wolf and Cub series. Those movies feel like they go a step further with their crazy action sequences, and the dynamic of a man getting into violent adventures with his infant son by his side is always weirdly compelling.
But Lady Snowblood is very good, and an overall well-oiled action/drama/revenge movie. It sets the story in motion in an interesting way, and uses flashbacks quite boldly throughout. There's not a ton of action, but just the right amount so that it never runs the risk of overstaying its welcome. It's also extremely bloody, and another stand-out aspect is Meiko Kaji in the lead role. She's really cool and scary at the same time, and it's easy to see why this is probably her most well-known role (the Female Prisoner #701 series she starred in is also worth checking out for fans of Japanese genre movies).
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