Actress Lucy Liu gave Quentin Tarantino a visual idea for the first Kill Bill, and it contributed to the beauty of the film.
2025 was a big year for Kill Bill as Americans got The Whole Bloody Affair (and which convinced a very large majority of critics). In addition, Tarantino tinkered by collaborating with Epic Games to release a short film related to the diptych in… Fortnite. Entitled Yuki’s Revenge, it shows the sister of Gogo (the bodyguard of the villain O-Ren) trying to kill Beatrix.
The very existence of this work was widely criticized, but it still worked especially well: the director followed up with interviews in the second half of the year, attracting the spotlight on himself. And as usual, he took advantage of it to say stupid things. Such as, Tarantino had fun tearing apart There Will Be Blood and Paul Dano for a frankly ridiculous reason.
lucy Liu and the Impact of *Kill Bill*
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Lucy Liu’s role in *Kill Bill* (2003-2004) considerably contributed to the film’s unique aesthetic and its blending of American and East Asian cinematic traditions.
The Influence of Hong Kong and Japanese Cinema on *Kill Bill*
Kill Bill director Quentin Tarantino openly acknowledged his deep inspiration from Hong Kong action cinema and Japanese samurai films.The film’s action sequences, particularly the fight choreography, directly reference the work of Hong Kong action choreographers like Yuen Woo-ping. The New York Times reported in 2003 that Tarantino aimed to create a film that felt like a lost chapter in the history of Hong Kong martial arts films.
The visual style of *Kill Bill* also draws heavily from Japanese cinema, particularly the samurai genre. Elements like the use of vibrant colors, stylized violence, and a focus on honor and revenge are all hallmarks of classic samurai films. Criterion Collection notes that Tarantino specifically studied films by directors like Akira Kurosawa and Shōhei Imamura.
Lucy Liu’s Role and Portrayal
Lucy Liu’s portrayal of O-Ren Ishii, the film’s primary antagonist, was groundbreaking for its representation of an asian woman in a leading role in a major Hollywood production. Prior to *Kill Bill*, Asian actresses were often relegated to stereotypical or supporting roles. the Los Angeles Times reported in 2023 that Liu’s character subverted expectations by being a powerful,complex,and ultimately tragic figure.
O-Ren Ishii’s backstory, detailing her brutal upbringing and rise to power within the Yakuza, provided a nuanced portrayal of a character frequently enough depicted as a one-dimensional villain. The film’s exploration of her past, combined with Liu’s compelling performance, helped to humanize the character and challenge prevailing stereotypes. The character’s design and backstory were inspired by japanese Yakuza stories and aesthetics.
Critical Reception and Lasting Impact
Kill Bill was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $180.9 million worldwide. Box Office Mojo reports the film’s total gross revenue. The film’s influence can be seen in subsequent action films and its contribution to the increased visibility of East Asian cinematic styles in Western filmmaking.
the film’s success also helped to pave the way for greater representation of Asian actors and filmmakers in Hollywood. While challenges remain, *Kill Bill* is often cited as a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to diversify the film industry. As of January 19, 2026, there have been ongoing discussions about a potential *Kill Bill 3*, as confirmed by Quentin Tarantino in multiple interviews, including one with Vanity Fair in November 2023, though no concrete plans have been announced.
