"Kaji played delinquents, gang bosses, daughters sold into slavery, unrepentant killers—characters far outside societal norms. Through them all she was an implacable force, seeking vengeance and delivering retribution in a world of corrupt, perverse men."
"In person she can be fierce and unyielding, still bitter about her treatment some 50 years ago. She's also unexpectedly funny, quick to mock herself and her roles."
"I had no training. In the Japanese system at the time there was no such thing as training actors or nurturing them to become professionals. I was scouted and then immediately thrust in front of a camera."
Meiko Kaji emerged as a powerful figure in Japanese cinema starting in the 1970s, known for her roles as delinquents and avengers. She faced challenges in her career, switching studios and working in various media. Kaji recently attended a retrospective in New York, showcasing her influential films. Despite her fierce persona, she displayed humor and charm during audience interactions. Kaji's lack of formal training in acting reflects the industry's practices at the time, yet she became a celebrated action star through her raw talent and determination.
Read at Filmmaker Magazine
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