Large sections of Kill Bill are lifted whole cloth from the film Lady Snowblood. If Tarantino wants to do that I wish he would give official credit to the original writers. I've always wondered how it's legal for him not to. (I've also always wondered by more writers don't seem to be bothered by this.) If you like Tarantino's copy, you may want to see the original, too.

" The lioness has been reunited with her cub, and all is right in the jungle." I must admit, I'm a fan of this particular genre. To me, one of the underlying themes is that you can't escape your true nature. Beatrix wants to retire from the life of a killer, but that's her true nature (and her daughter's). Impending motherhood confused her, but I get the feeling Beatrix goes back to work as an assassin after the movie ends. Note that without Beatrix, her original family of killers broke apart, leaving only Bill and Elle Driver, the anti-Beatrix. Elle is interesting because she differs from Beatrix in one single aspect: Elle is self-interested, sadistic and duplicitous whereas Beatrix is respectful and has a code of honor (which is why Pai Mei teaches her his most important secret, something he didn't teach Bill; and why Sophie Fatale only loses limbs instead of being killed.). It's interesting to compare this movie with Shane Black's Long Kiss Goodnight. Very similar theme and protagonist character, ex-lover antagonist, but completely different execution. As for influences, Luc Besson's Nikita & Leon, The Professional, far overshadow Kill Bill and any other girls & guns movie (I can think of at least 3 Nikita remakes). Also, cult Asian movies like Beyond Hypothermia (I highly recommend this one for those who enjoy the genre) and Naked Killer enjoy a wide influence in the West.