Lady Snowblood (1973)

『修羅雪姫』(shurayuki-hime)

Yuki's family is nearly wiped out before she is born by a gang of criminals. These outlaws kidnap and brutalize her mother but let her live. Later her mother ends up in prison with only vengeance to keep her alive. She creates an instrument for revenge in her daughter Yuki.

In spite of being produced on a low budget, the film's success spawned a sequel, and was a major inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

Azumi (2003)

『あずみ』(azumi)

In a bleak, war-torn Japan, the Tokugawa Shogun is desperate to restore peace to his people and orders the assassination of three hostile warlords. A young woman is raised from birth with nine other orphans, to train as warriors. Her name is Azumi, the ultimate assassin.

Marks for impressive (and violent) visuals and stunt choreography.

Ugetsu (1953)

『雨月物語』(ugetsu monogatari), "Tales of Moonlight and Rain"

In the civil wars of 16th century Japan, two ambitious peasants in Nakanogo want to make their fortunes. The potter Genjuro intends to sell his wares for vast profits in the local city, Omizo, while his brother-in-law Tobei wishes to become a samurai. A respected sage warns them against seeking profit in times of war but his advice goes unheeded, and their insistency leads to the ruin of their families.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

『KUBO/クボ 二本の弦の秘密』(kubo nihon no gen no himitsu)

Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.

Yojimbo (1961)

『用心棒』(yōjinbō)

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.