The representation of females in Sin City

Various Sin City female characters have the typical noir character type of a femme fatale. Goldie and Wendy, the prostitute sisters are both dependent on men and use their sex appeal to gain power. Goldie fears she will be killed so in order for protection she seduces Marv and spends the night with him. Marv is fooled into believing this is love but Goldie has used Marv for his strength, gaining power and ultimately getting what she wants.

There is also a negative representation of women as being naive and dependent on women. There are a few cases where females are under the illusion they are able to fight their own battles, but are unable of doing so without a male aid. Lucille is the lesbian parole officer of protagonist Marv. In a scene where herself and Marv are hiding in the woods from the police, Lucille forcefully takes control by knocking Marv unconscious. She then attempts to talk to the police before being shot dead moments later. She is naive and somewhat dim to think she would be able to chat to the police and regain the equilibrium. Later on in the film, Marv is forced to knock prostitute Wendy unconscious so that he can sort out the problems without her interference, a perfect example that females have only one purpose: for voyeurism. Attempting to support Marv would just hinder him and he swiftly removes her from the situation.

Miho subverts from this representation and instead is very strong and independent. She is tough and is not afraid of violently slaughtering her enemies. Instead of being dependent on men, men are afraid of her and protagonist Dwight is awkward around her. Miho takes on the role of a ninja, a role usually portrayed by men and she still maintains some sex appeal as she is slim and attractive.