Actress Miki Mizuno, who has earned a reputation as an action star, has taken on her most demanding role yet. She was cast as the lead in Takanori Tsujimoto's "Hard Revenge, Milly," which follows in the same vein as Quentin Tarantino's violent action film "Kill Bill." Similar to Uma Thurman's character in that movie, Mizuno's Milly is a woman seeking revenge against those who killed her family.

Mizuno previously worked with Tsujimoto in a segment of Mamoru Oshii's omnibus work "Shin Onna Tachiguishi Retsuden." Impressed with her ability, Tsujimoto decided to do a full-fledged action film with her. Mizuno has long been active in the action genre, studying martial arts at a young age and later joining the stunt agency Kurata Action Club. Her filmography includes "Koibito wa Sniper" (2004) and the Hong Kong remake of "Sasori" (scheduled for release later this year).

Filming for "Hard Revenge, Milly" took place at the end of last year. Mizuno did not use any stunt doubles for her scenes, some of which include wire action work. One climactic battle features her against actor Mitsuki Koga.

"Hard Revenge" opens in theaters this August.