Meiko Kaji Programme

Hidden among the love hotels in Shibuya's Maruyamacho, Cinema Vera is known for its focus on double features highlighting both classics and obscure indie fare. Expect a little bit of both at this programme dedicated to actress and singer Meiko Kaji, who is celebrating a half-century in the biz this year. Catch films like the original Joshu Sasori ('Female Convict Scorpion') series, a parade of no-holds-barred exploitation action in which Kaji plays relentless jailbird Nami Matsushima, and 1973 thriller Lady Snowblood, a major inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill – in which Kaji's ballad 'Shura No Hana' accompanied the bloody end of O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu).