![]() ![]() From the years 1937 to 1945, the Second Sino-Japanese War took place, proving to be the largest Asian war of the 20th century. What would fuel the controversy even further is that during World War II, Japan was also at war with China. Further, it would logically flow that a woman of Japanese descent marrying an American-Chinese general would be controversial. Although the time period is not all that clear, the notion that this took place around the period of World War II is not unreasonable. Her father worked as an American general stationed in Japan. In fact, it’s O-Ren’s multicultural heritage that makes she and her parents a target of the Japanese mafia. Chapter 2: O-Ren’s FOILĮven though Quintin Tarantino appreciates the various layers of cultural influence in his film, not everyone in Kill Bill or the world in general, necessarily concurs in the value of such racial and cultural blending. From that moment forward, she aspires for power, which follows her well into adulthood. She now has the upper hand over Matsumoto and his henchmen. By the next scene, not only is she now on top of the bed, but she is in total command. Initially, while underneath the bed unseen and unheard, she is utterly powerless as her parents are brutally executed by Matsumoto and his men. Important to note is her placement throughout the animation. O-Ren gets her revenge against Matsumoto in what seems to be a child brothel. By aged 20, she becomes one of the world’s top assassins, making it clear that anyone who stands in her way will share the same fate as Matsumoto and his henchman. She satiates the moment and soon after sets her sight on a life of unwavering power and dominance. Using the now dead Matsumoto as a human shield, she brings his henchman to their knees in submission before blowing their brains out in what we can assume is her father’s old Desert Eagle Magnum. Atop the naked and unsuspecting Yakuza boss, O-Ren unyieldingly plunges her sword into his chest, intentionally delivering a slow and excruciating death. Knowing that Matsumoto is a child pedophile, she disguises herself as a schoolgirl. From that moment on, she is sworn to exact retribution for the crimes against her and her family, which determination is reflected boldly in her eyes.Īt the age of 11, just two years after her parents’ death, O-Ren exacts her revenge. As O-Ren lay powerless under the bed from which her mother was killed by the unscrupulous Matsumoto, the drops of her mother’s blood washes her innocence away so that all that remained was a scathing desire to exact retribution. As her mother’s blood seeps through the bed sheets and onto O-Ren’s face, she must suppress her emotions in order to stay hidden and alive. ![]() The animation also plays a notable role in illustrating her rise to power. Through this, Quentin successfully highlights the intensity of actions and the depth of emotion that O-Ren must have endured as she watches her life and family perish in flames. Because of this art, we are able to connect with O-Ren, feeling the pain that she feels. ![]() Nonetheless, Tarantino recognizes the advantageous nature of Japanese animation and seeks out Production IG to produce his art. It is worth mentioning that had O-Ren’s story, one inundated with violence and gore, been told in any other fashion, the movie would have attained a “NC-17” rating. Also known as “Japa-mation,” this genre of film has served millions of film-makers worldwide in replicating a vision to its fullest capacity without incurring the cost of utilizing real actors to fulfill the roles of the cartoon performers. She remains silent- we know she is broken.īecause of her connection to Japanese culture and Quentin own personal fondness of Japanese cinematography, the use of animation to recount her traumatic childhood and her rise to power proves beyond fitting. ![]() Extreme Closeup: The 7-year old O-Ren, hidden under the bed-frame, becomes flooded with her mother’s blood. ![]()
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