Yukari Oshima

Yukari first appeared in Taiwainese films in 1986, and she then had a brief part in Sammo Hung's "Millionaire's Express"(AKA Shanghai Express) as a samurai warrior. Then Yukari was cast in "Angel"(1987) as crime boss Madam Yueng, a role which was to prove important for her career. "Angel" was a success--it initiated the whole Girls with Guns genre--but more importantly for Yukari it helped her secure more film work. She went on to become quite a popular fixture in GWG movies, appearing in "Dreaming the Reality"(1991), "Beauty Investigators"(1992), "Avenging Quartet"(1993), & "Angel Terminators II"(1993).

One of Yukari's best early career roles was in "Outlaw Brothers"(1990). She is excellent in all her martial arts scenes, displaying the full range of her ablity. Unfortunately she wasn't able to build upon this to secure larger roles in movies. Despite being a talented martial artist & capable actress, Yukari never achieved the same level of fame as her fellow action actresses. She was never as popular as someone like Moon Lee, and was largely relegated to supporting roles and starring in cheap productions. This may be partly due to Yukari's looks, since she doesn't fit into the category of what is considered beautiful, and at times appears quite androgynous in some of her parts(In fact, she portrayed a man in "The Story of Ricky"!)

When the popularity of Girls with Guns petered out in the early 90's, Yukari moved to the Philippines where there was still a strong market for these types of films. Over the next few years Yukari made a number of low-budget films, and it seems starred in some rather awful movies because she needed the work. During the mid-to late nineties Yukari made an effort to break back into the mainstream and starred in some Taiwanese and Hong Kong films which effectively showcased her martial arts talents. Currently, Yukari is once again residing in Japan. She has made television appearances in action roles, and is still making movies, her latest effort being "Once a Thief"(1999).

What I admire most about Yukari is that she is a real martial artist who performs her own stunts. The moves you see her performing on screen she can actually do in real life, and this takes her films to a new level. When I'm watching an actor that actually possesses the abilities they display onscreen, it makes the film that more exciting and believable. She also tranmits a ferocious intensity to the screen in her action scenes. When she fights, she goes all out, receiving a lot of punishment in the process, but rallying enough strength to prevail over her opponent. Almost as deadly as her fighting skills is Yukari's facial expression. When in battle mode, she puts on a intimidating scowl, with narrowed, penetrating eyes--a signal of her strength; that she is not to be trifled with. When her enemy sees this expression they know they are going to recieve the worst thrashing of their life! Although Yukari is obviously quite effective in the role of villian, I have to say that I quite like her when she is cast as the heroine. Her work in "Outlaw Brothers" is a perfect example. She is likable and effective as the tough cop Tequila, giving a strong performance in which she displays a range of emotions. This serves as proof that, if given the chance, she could easily carry a movie. Combine this with her profiency at martial arts, which she amply demonstrates in "Outlaw Brothers", and you have the makings of a great lead action actress. It's a shame she was stuck in secondary roles and low-quality films for the majority of her career.