The Lone Wolf and Cub movies are not particularly well known outside Japan, largely due to the fact that they have not been available until fairly recently. The central figure is Ogami Itto, played by Tomisaburo Wakayama (brother of Katsu Shintaro of Zatoichi fame) the Official Shogunate Executioner, which makes him the best and most feared master swordsman in all of Japan. The Yagyu Shadow Clan desperately lust after Ogami's very prestigious position, and plot to frame him as a traitor to the Shogunate. The plan works, and Itto's wife and servants are all killed. Only he and his adorable infant son Daigoro remain. Ogami swears revenge against the Yagyu and the best way for him to accomplish this is to become an assassin for hire, as he charges 500 gold pieces for every assignment. He is commissioned to assassinate a large band of Ronin who plot on killing the ailing lord of a powerful clan. All the LW&C movies are extremely violent, this one in particular.Wakayama's Iaito skills are first rate, and it's hard to believe that a chubby, dumpy looking middle-aged man can wield a sword with such grace and speed. He is absolutely awe-inspiring to watch. Simply a fantastic movie.
