Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) User Reviews

Beautiful, bloody and brilliant.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 15 September 2007]

Like many fans, my first exposure to the world of badass warrior Ogami Itto (and son) was through Shogun Assassin, an infamous 'video nasty' that was compiled from the 'best bits' of the first two movies in the Baby Cart series, 'Sword Of Vengeance' & 'Baby Cart At The River Styx. A stylish blood-drenched epic, Shogun Assassin piqued my interest enough to make me seek out the entire Baby Cart series (comprising of six films, made between 1972 and 1974).

Sword of Vengeance introduces us to protagonist Itto (Tomisaburo Wakayama), whose job, as Second for the Shogunate, is to execute the enemies of the Shogun, should they fail to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). After his wife is murdered, Itto is framed for treason by the nasty Yagyu clan (who wish to take his coveted position as Second). Now a Ronin—a samurai without a master— he takes to the road working as an assassin for hire, accompanied by his young son Daigoro, who rides in a booby-trapped wooden cart. Together, they are known as Lone Wolf and Cub.

With superbly choreographed fight scenes, wonderful cinematography, a terrific soundtrack, and a great central performance from Wakayama, this is an unmissable piece of samurai cinema. Itto is the Japanese equivalent of Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name': a cool-headed, tough-as-nails, and honourable character who is sparing with his words, and who only acts with violence when necessary (but always with devastating results).

A lethal force with his sword (and also with the variety of weapons secreted about Daigoro's cart), Itto cuts a swathe through all who are stupid enough to challenge him. A quick flash of his blade, and his enemies are either minus a limb or two, or spouting a geyser of blood from a fatal wound.

Sword of Vengeance is a prime example of cool, gritty and stylish 70s cult cinema. Watch it, and be cool by association.

The beginning of one of the most entertaining Japanese movie-series.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 8/10 · 17 April 2010]

The foremost reason why this is a standout movie-series is because of it's unusual and highly original main concept. There are plenty of Japanese movies about a shogun, ronin or a samurai fulfilling their destinies and travel through the country, getting into all kind of adventures and troubles. The Kozure Ôkami-series has an original take on this type of movies by letting the main character carry and drive around his infant son in an armed and dangerous baby cart. His infant son even helps him in battle sometime. No big surprise that this all is being based on a manga-series, by Kazuo Koike, who also contributed to this movie its script.

It also becomes obvious that this movie is being based on a manga when you look at its violence. It's really deliberately being over-the-top and the entire series is well known for featuring fountains of blood, whenever someone gets struck down or gets a limb or head cut off. It's a pretty bloody movie but because it all gets down in such an over-the-top way, it's nothing too shocking to watch, even when you don't have the stomach for it.

It are really its action sequences that stand out and there is plenty of action in this one. All of the fights got nicely choreographed and brought to the screen and above all things they also often have something original to offer. Often Itto uses some tricks to fool his opponents and can strike down the best trained and most powerful shogun with one strike because of some clever and unexpected moves and tricks, sometimes helped by his infant son Daigorô.

The movie is good looking, thanks to its fine directing, that provides the movie with some nicely done sequences but also due to its great looking environments. The movie often uses nature elements and environments as a key part of the movie its climatic battles, such as water or the sun.

All in all, a great start of the series!

8/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Beautiful, disturbing, bloody & touching.

[vpappler-1 · 9/10 · 16 July 2002]

I hold true to my summary. Beautiful. I belive that the cinematography is excellent in perspective and atmosphere. Disturbing. There is a rape scene which is not gratuitous in its presentation but is nevertheless disturbing. Bloody. It is a samuri/swordplay film after all. Touching. There is a gruff honor about this film that I truly appreciated. The ideas of duty, honor, disgrace and vengence meet here. If you like the genre I think that you will like this movie.

Beauty among slaughter

[jolgo13 · 10/10 · 17 November 2002]

The first entry in a series of master pieces. Based very strongly upon the manga series `Lone Wolf and Cub' is most likely the best film series derived from comics. And truly great films as well. One cannot base one story on a single comic. There are so many elements in each. There is a basic story, but often times there are mixed with others. Little things are thrown in as well. Normally it would make any less a film seem crammed or just forced in. But it is pulled off brilliantly.

This film, the first entry is largely a set up for the sequels but still brilliant, from its beautiful camera shots to the extremely gory ascetic fights. It tells the story of how the main character Ogami Itto was exiled from his royal position as the Shoguns decapitator. It flashes from past to present until the entire past story is told. The ending fight is a great climax.

The sword work although at times seems fake is brilliantly choreographed. The gore in the film is not overly done, but rather thrown in to give it an artistic feel, as if you're watching a moving painting. Often times one may think every scene could very well be a panting.

Some aspects of the plot may seem odd to most western audiences. The scene where Ogami gives his son a choice between a ball and a sword. Or rather life or death, may strike many people as cold. However one must understand bushido and know that the way of the samurai is life in death. Ask yourself what would be worse taking your son on a trip as you kill men beyond number, or giving somewhat of a choice.

This film is truly beautiful, and hold up today as not just one of the greatest samurai films ever made, but films period.

Based on Excellent Graphic Novel Series

[eibon09 · 13 June 2001]

Kozure Okami:Kowokashi Undekashi Tsukamatsuru/Lone Wolf & Cub:Sword of Vengeance(1972) is the story of an once distinguished samurai executioner who was framed for treason. Shows how the main character went into being an avenging assassin. After the death of his wife, Ogami Itto makes a vow of vengeance on the people responsible for the murder of his wife and his frame up. With his son Daigoro by his side, Itto tends towards the road of assassin as a way to get even with his arch enemy, the Yagyu Clan. His assignment in this story is to kill a few high officers of a samurai clan who plan on killing their future leader.

The action sequences are visually arresting and physically awesome. The sword play in these action scenes are fresh and imaginative. Many of these scenes are gory and violent but not as gory as in some of the later Lone Film & Cub films. Lone Wolf & Cub:Sword of Vengeance(1972) does an excellent job in being faithful to the visual style of the samurai sword fights from the graphic novels. The camera work on these action scenes are free flowing with style and booming with graceful movement.

The film combines the back story of volume one and volume six in the Lone Wolf & Cub comics. The prologue and the first flashback is from volume six. The second flashback later in the movie is from the first volume. These scenes for the most part are faithful to the original source. The dialogue, however is slightly different in the film from volumes one and six.

The first flashback that depicts Itto's frame up by the Yagyu fills the screen with a sea of human emotions. This scene shows the relationship between Ogami and his wife to be caring and tender. The moment when Azami touches her son's face and then dies is very sad. One of the few times in the film and the series that Ogami Itto is highly emotional. Scene depicts Ogami Itto as a man who is bound by the code of Bushido.

Lone Wolf & Cub:Sword of Vengeance(1972) is not as polish or technically slick as the samurai films of Akira Kurosawa. Does not share Kurosawa's eye for the spectacle touch of his samurai pictures. Also, not deep in depiction of human nature and human error like Akira Kurosawa's Samurai epics. The mindset and the beliefs of the samurai is better depicted here. More an authentic look at the period of the Shogun and the fatalistic nature of the samurai warrior.

The scene where Ogami Itto gives his son the choice of the ball or the sword is intense and suspenseful. Its in this scene that Itto and his son Daigoro become the Lone Wolf & Cub. The choice given to Daigoro is cruel yet compassionate. When Daigoro touches the sword his path is more fatalistic and worst than death. A very emotional moment for Ogami Itto because of his love for his son and the fact that their path together will be of loneiness and tragedy.

The love scene with the prostitute and Ogami Itto is erotic yet not overly explicit. Effective in the use of camera movement and dissolves. Scene is well edited. The only love scene that Ogami Itto is involved during the entire Lone Wolf & Cub movies. Shows that Itto will sacrifice the feeling of shame to save a girl who is an outcast like himself.

The revenge motif dominates the motives of Ogami Itto as well as the plot development of Lone Wolf & CUb:Sword of Vengeance(1972). This motif is done in the same manner as in many Italian Westerns. The theme of revenge makes the film pretty much a Japanese Spaghetti Western. Honor and revenge are the two most important things for Ogami Itto. The motif of revenge is a strong force in both the comic and film version of Lone Wolf and Cub.

The Climatic battle scene builds up with an incredible amount of suspense. Awesome depiction of sword play with some gory moments. The camera moves around in a smooth fashion and acts as another member of the cast. The director, Kenji Misumi does the battle scenes in the graphic novel series. Tomisaburo Wakayama is excellent in doing this scene.

Contains a disturbing and harrowing rape scene. The cinematography, editing, and art direction are first class. Tomisaburo Wakayama was the perfect actor to play Ogami Itto because of his physical similarites. Akihiro Tomikawa is cute as Ogami Daigoro. The Violence here is on the level of the blood letting from The Streetfighter movies.

The Brilliant Start to the Greatest Samurai-Cycle in Motion Picture History!

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 10/10 · 17 March 2008]

Even before seeing the "Kozure Ôkami" (aka. "Lone Wolf And Cub") films, I was already a fan of director Kenji Misumi, for entries to the popular "Zatoichi" series, and even more so, for his sleazy and brilliant 1972 Samurai-Exploitation masterpiece "Goyôkiba" (aka. "Hanzo The Razor - Sword Of Justice") starring the great Shintaro Katsu. At the latest when I first saw this first part to the "Kozure Okami" cycle, Misumi irrevocably became one of my favorite directors of all-times. He directed the first, second, third and fifth film of what is arguably the most brilliant Samurai-saga ever brought to screen, and this "Kozure Ôkami: Kowokashi udekashi tsukamatsuru" aka. "Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance" of 1972 is the first of these incomparably brilliant films. Tomisaburo Wakayama, elder brother of the more famous and equally great Shintaro Katsu ("Zatôichi", "Hanzo The Razor"), is brilliant in the role of his life as Ogami Itto, my personal favorite (anti-)hero character in the history of motion pictures.

Ogami Itto, the 'Kaishakunin' (highest executioner) of the Shogunate, falls victim to a conspiracy by the powerful Yagyu-clan. After his wife is murdered, Itto is supposed to commit seppuku with his infant son Daigoro. He waits for his accusers in mourning dress. Not in order to kill himself, however, but to announce that he and his son will henceforth walk the 'path of hell' as an assassin, killing for 500 ryu as the 'Lone Wolf with his child', in order to clear his name and avenge his wife's death...

Tomisaburo Wakayama as Itto Ogami is, as mentioned above, in my opinion one of the greatest (and most bad-ass) characters in motion picture history. Even though the 'Ôkami' films are based on a comic book series, it seems like the role of Ogami Itto was written especially for Tomisaburo Wakayama, and as if Wakayama was born to play this particular role. Sheer brilliance also comes from Akihiro Tomikawa, who plays Ogami Itto's infant son Daigoro, and who never played another role after the "Lone Wolf and Cub" series. Never have I seen a greater child-character nor a greater child-performance in a film. In this first film, Daigoro is still a toddler who doesn't speak a word, and yet it is him who is responsible for some of the most ingenious and witty moments in the film. The film is blood-soaked throughout (and the successors become even more violent) and yet the father-son relationship of Ogami Itto and Daigoro gives these ultra-violent Chambara-highlights a sort of heart-warming touch at times. The ingenious score by Hideaki Sakudai is equally impressive as the brilliant editing and prefect cinematography. Hardly have sequences made an impact on me as in the 'Ôkami' films when the music suddenly stops and hardly a sound is heard. Simply everything about "Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance" is perfection in my eyes: the unique atmosphere, the feeling, the brilliant performance and characters (above all Ogami Itto and Daigoro), the impressive locations, the swordplay sequences and incomparably stylish gore, the score... I could keep on praising this film for a long time, but I'll simply conclude with an advice: Get this film now! The entire "Kozure Okami" cycle ranks high on my personal all-time favorite list, and this first film is particularly essential! The American director Robert Houston edited the first two 'Okami' films together as "Shogun Assassin" in 1980 (I haven't seen it yet), but, as far as I am considered the Japanese Language is an absolutely essential factor here, and I strongly advise everybody to go for the (subtiteled) Japanese version. I first saw this film when I got all six 'Okami' films on DVD about a month ago, and I have seen the entire cycle three times by now, so you can imagine how deep an impact this has made on me. In short: "Kozure Ôkami: Kowokashi udekashi tsukamatsuru" is a masterpiece that is absolutely essential for any lover of film to see! 10/10!

Want Lots Of Blood And Japanese Stoicism?

[boblipton · 7/10 · 6 April 2020]

Tomisaburo Wakayama is Lone Wolf and Akihiro Tomikawa is Cub, his three-year-old son. Together they wander around Japan, the youngster in a baby carriage with a sign noting that child and expertise are for hire. It turns out, via a long flashback, that he used to be the executioner for the Shogun. Then the evil Yagyu seized that office and he was supposed to kill himself. So he went rogue and is now wandering around Japan, dealing with prostitutes, madwomen, thieves and the occasional Yagyu ninja.

Anyway, in this one, he trundles Cub to a hot spring for a vacation. It's run by desperate criminals who try to intimidate him. They don't. Eventually, we can be assured, assassins will show up and there will be a colorful bloodbath.

For people who like lots of fake blood amidst some great cinematography, and Japanese acting stoically bizarre, it's just what the audience ordered.

superb movie, this was a major influence on quentin Tarantino's kill bill

[bryan-mconnor · 10/10 · 30 December 2013]

My knowledge in Japanese samurai films is a bit narrow, but I'll take the chance to draw a parallelism between east and west cinema that could sound blasphemous or stupid to somebody who knows more about it. But I suppose, if westerns had John Ford as a traditionalist filmmaker and Sergio Leone as a revolutioner who shattered that sanitized and mythic image and made it dirty and unheroic, I could apply that same logic to samurai films of Akira Kurosawa and then to what Kenji Misumi accomplished in this first chapter. I guess that shallow explanation could serve a newcomer to picture what kind of brilliant and bloody action film they'll find here. also judging from the bloody fight scenes its clear where Tarantino got his influence for his Kill Bill films.

A product of its time, yet usually enjoyable.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 6/10 · 10 January 2020]

'Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance (1972)' is the first in a series of six Japanese exploitation films based on the manga series of the same name. It sees Shogun executioner Itto Ogami forced to take the path of the assassin after he is framed and ordered to commit Hari-Kari. What separates this ronin from all the rest is the fact that he's always accompanied by his three-year-old son, Diagoro. This dynamic is what gives the story its unique edge, as you're much more invested in the safety of the always-threatened son than the seemingly-unstoppable father - especially since the latter is totally amoral. Seriously, he's so stony faced and, seemingly, emotionless that he even kills a child without a second thought, although we do learn that he prays for everyone he has executed. Frankly, it's difficult to truly care about the guy because he does so many dastardly things and never seems to show any remorse for them. However, he's a compelling 'anti-hero', I suppose, and he has a consistently strong, demanding presence. His prowess with the sword is shown in a number of exciting, blood-stained action scenes, most of which involve fountains of the red stuff and a few severed appendages, to boot. They're well-conceived, pacy and palpable, and are easily the movie's best aspect. The flick, as a whole, is entertaining almost all the way through. I say "almost" because there's an extended stint at a health spa which really slows things down and features a prolonged, incredibly uncomfortable sequence involving forced sex. Basically, a group of thugs threaten to kill a woman if she doesn't sleep with the hero in front of them and the hero obliges, despite being under no real threat or obligation, in order to supposedly "save her life" even though he could kill everyone in the room with his eyes closed. It's probably the closest thing to a 'good deed' he does in the entire affair and it's part of a sexual assault. The script goes to great lengths to convince us that this is the case, with the woman crediting his willingness to lower his standards and "satisfy" her with saving her life. It's problematic, for sure, shown in an apparently 'romantic' slow-fade, multiple-exposure montage that goes on for far longer than necessary. The film doesn't represent women well on the whole, either. Of the five to make an appearance, four have their breasts exposed in some way, two are killed after a single scene, two are sexually assaulted, and only one appears in more than a single sequence. Of course, the picture is an exploitation genre piece released in the seventies; some of it isn't going to stand the test of time. However, it's important to mention these flaws because they do have an undeniable impact on the experience. It's a lesson of what not to do today. Still, it's a product of its age and genre. It certainly has its merits, including a strong style and confident structure. It doesn't quite come full circle but it's mostly enjoyable. It's usually a fair bit of fun, despite being quite dark, and it features some fantastic action. I just wish it wasn't so abrasively problematic. 6/10

Good, decent Samurai film...first of a series.

[rcp02 · 8/10 · 4 September 2003]

Sword of Vengeance is the first film in a series about a noble samurai and his son fallen from grace through a conspiracy, and now under a constant fear of death by assassination. This movie by itself is a fine example of how a more modern, 'slasher' style Samurai film and 'old' values like honor and '1-good-Samurai-defeats-army-of-bad-Samurai' can be put together to make a solid, entertaining film. The later films are sometimes better, sometimes worse than this movie, but I found all of them to be very entertaining and worthwhile.

If you like to see some classic Samurai action, check out the whole serie of six films. Years later they took all the juicy bits out of the first four films and stitched them together to form the film 'Shogun Assassin', a film I suspect made for export to western countries: Less story, more blood.

Too short for two stories

[davidmvining · 6/10 · 16 February 2021]

This is really two movies in one. The first is the origin story for Itto Ogami, the Shogunate Executioner, and his son Daigoro and how they were framed for a thought crime, sentenced to death, and escaped with their lives. The second feels like just the next in a series of continuing adventures with the pair. I think that there's going to be a larger connection to Ogami's story in that continuing adventure, though. It wouldn't make much sense otherwise.

Ogami is a highly respected swordsman and highly loyal subject to the shogun, a tyrant who punishes his daimyo for the smallest of infractions in order to maintain his political rule. He sends Ogami to complete the seppuku the shogun demands as punishment, which Ogami carries out professionally even in the most trying of circumstances like the first scene that shows Ogami carrying out his duty on a small child who happens to be a lord. It's an interesting setup, showing our protagonist murdering a child as the start of the movie, but Kenji Misumi, the director, leans into the darker aspects of the source manga with open eyes. The crime Ogami was accused of was to put the shogun's crest in his temple dedicated to his victims, placed there in a raid, supposedly in revenge for the killing of the child lord, which killed Ogami's wife. Framed, he extracts a promise to leave him alone from the shadow lord that organized the whole affair.

This is all told in flashback to the actual story of the film as Ogami, a couple of years later, is a ronin, traveling with his son in a cart, as they walk the countryside looking for work. His reputation as Lone Wolf and Cub has grown, and there are even suspicions that the man is the former Executioner himself. When he's spied by a local chamberlain with information that a rival is planning on the execution of his lord. Now, the movie makes no effort to connect the dots between the three men who organize the assassination attempt through a gang of bandits and Ogami's past, but I have to assume there is one that will get drawn out in subsequent movies. Otherwise, this is really just a random adventure that has nothing to do with Ogami, and I don't think that the opening of an extended story with a supposedly definite end would go like that.

Anyway, it's in this part of the story that the movie's truncated runtime works against it. The movie as a whole is 87 minutes long. If all of it had been dedicated to this adventure, I think my problem with its thinness would have been addressed. As the actual time spent at the hot springs with the bandits takes up about thirty minutes and there are about half a dozen new characters of some prominence that don't have any real time to make an impression, I think it suffers. Ogami shows up, convincing the bandits that he's just a man with his child and no more, and he spends his time with the other visitors who are trapped there because of the bandit presence. There's a prostitute that Ogami saves by making love to her in front of the bandits, and she's well drawn enough. However there's another samurai there, sick and unable to really stand up, who is literally just a background character until the large final confrontation where he's suddenly at the fore with some important lines about who he is. The danger to him feels empty because he's not really a character. That, mixed with the mere implication that this adventure has something to do with Ogami's overall journey, makes the whole thing feel like an empty exercise in exploitative action and little else.

That being said, the action in the film is actually quite good. Samurai movies are generally known for one man against many with the one making the perfect slice on most of them as they all go in with swords held up too high for too long, and Lone Wolf and Cub continues this tradition, but it also embraces bright red blood sprays that color the action in entertaining ways.

Overall, the first Lone Wolf and Cub movie is hampered by its need to tell both an origin story and another adventure in the same 87 minutes. The origin story is told well enough, but the adventure gets short-changed. I fully expect these tales to get better with subsequent entries.

The one that started it all

[nkingstown3 · 9/10 · 22 October 2005]

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.

YUSH, Classic Samurai Action!

[sparklemeandu-09047 · 7/10 · 18 April 2021]

I've always wanted to read these manga, so to find out that there is *six* Lone Wolf and Cub movies was an amazing find!

This first live action movie tells their backstory and how they ended up wandering Japan as Lone Wolf and Cub. Sure, its a hokey '70s style movie with blood shooting 7 feet into the air, but the story is solid, and the action fun to watch. I'm thrilled I found all six to watch, so I can get my samurai mode on! 7/10.

Truly lame 'samurai' film

[BaronVonCount · 3/10 · 5 November 2022]

The writing is shallow and clichéd, the acting just as mediocre. Even the child aged about two is poor - although probably the best in the cast!

If you like the sort of samurai movies made by Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, or Kobayashi, then dross like this is torture. I watched it because of its incomprehensibly high rating on Imdb and a poll of favourite samurai movies, but really only finished it due to its one redeeming feature: it is short.

If you like samurai films then please try some movies from the aforementioned directors whose every production is several orders of magnitude better than this deplorable offering.

Classic samurai series

[Tuco-4 · 8/10 · 18 August 1998]

The first film in a great series of samurai films. Veteran Japanese actor Tomisaburo Wakayama, brother of Shintaro Katsu (Zatoichi), stars as the ultra-stoic hero Ogami Itto, who, along with his infant son Daigoro and a babycart with hidden spears and guns, wages a one-man war against the evil Yagyu clan who killed his wife and framed him for disloyalty to the Shogunate. A very well-made series of action films, some reasonably inventive direction, editing, and photography, a good soundtrack too. The action scenes are especially well-done, from the one-on-one sword duels to the Wild Bunch-style Ogami Itto vs. Everybody battles at the end of each film. A must-see for anyone who enjoys Spaghetti Westerns or martial-arts films.

You would've been happier if you'd chosen to join your mother in her world.

[bc7941644 · 10/10 · 10 January 2014]

I absolutely knew from the beginning that I would love this film especially when the main character started swinging his sword resulting in blood rushing out of his enemy bodies like a sprinkler. also the scene where his infant child plays a part in defeating his enemy he had challenged to a dual. the character were likable the main character Itto, the brave prostitute who he saves and last but not least in my opinion the most likable the child. in my opinion the music which was perfect early 70s cinematic music was excellent. the sound effects were brilliant. the editing was perfect also the colours and camera angles were absolutely beautifully perfect especially during the swordfight/ dual scenes. I would have to rate this movie a 10 out of 10 my second favourite film behind the godfather.

Entertaining but also a bit unsavory.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 29 December 2010]

This film begins with the Shogun's executioner performing a disturbing killing of a small child—all to satisfy the bushido code of honor and obedience. However, when the executioner's family is murdered in a plot and he himself is ordered to commit suicide, he decides that bushido ain't all it's cracked up to be and becomes a revenge-oriented ronin (masterless samurai)—taking his very, very young son in tow.

This is the very first Lone Wolf and Cub film. It led to more films and even a TV series—so it's obvious that the series was very popular in Japan. I noticed that the film was produced by Shintaro Katsu—the same guy who starred in a very long string of wonderful Zatoichi films. And, In many ways, this film played much like a Zatoichi film…that is, if Zatoichi was completely amoral!! In fact, I am sure that many fans of the Zatoichi films would be put off my this amoral character as well as the many family unfriendly elements in the film—such as a rather graphic rape/murder! To me, this was just too much. While I probably will try watching another Lone Wolf and Cub film, if it keeps this same nasty tone I'll probably stop after that. As I see it, Zatoichi was very decent—but the ex-executioner in this Lone Wolf film was hard to like or respect—he was much more tough to like.

But when I swing my swords they all choppable

[ac6676075 · 10/10 · 11 January 2014]

I first heard about these movie after one of my friend's recommended me to watch it.

so I purchased the DVD off amazon and I have to say I am not disappointed, I love action movies especially those of die hard and terminator 2. the kill count in these movies make die hard look like a Disney film lol. the gore is over the top but when I say that over the top with brilliance. the story is easy to understand and well written also brilliantly executed.

overall this movie deserves 10 out of 10 this movie should have more reviews because it is awesome!!!!

Entertaining

[gbill-74877 · 7/10 · 20 April 2020]

For those that need a cute little kid on top of all the blood spraying and body parts being lopped off? This is an entertaining enough tale, told with flashbacks and some decent fight scenes, though I didn't think there was anything too special about it. The main character is a former executioner who in his official capacity kills a small child when we first see him, so we're in a conflicting universe from the start. He's betrayed for political reasons, and seeks revenge after his wife is killed. Naturally, he's cool as a cucumber when provoked, and can kill large groups of men single-handedly. It's fun but unsophisticated, and seems geared for the adolescent male, for example, taking every possible opportunity to show us female breasts (a couple of breastfeedings, in the hot springs, during a rape, and when the assassin is forced to make love to a prostitute to save her life). It's all gratuitous and the rape is especially objectionable, because it feels like there is a voyeuristic sexualization going on. Personally I didn't mind the quiet moments, but it probably could have used those moments for something more introspective or meaningful than the silly forced lovemaking. However it was probably true to the source manga, and it's shot in a way that makes it feel like manga as well. I liked the pace and how it kept itself to 87 minutes, so that even if there wasn't anything too profound happening, it was a nice bit of entertainment.

One of my most favourate films

[johnm3591 · 10/10 · 9 January 2014]

Sword of Vengeance is a hugely pleasant surprise. The film is surprisingly mature in its visuals, storytelling, and action. It feels way ahead of its time and it is quite amazing. It is a perfect blend of depth and pure samurai action. One of the best samurai (chanbara) movies I've ever seen. Granted, I haven't seen many. I did hugely enjoyed this film.

Lone Wolf and Cub gets its appeal from its hugely unique style. The subtle intensity of the fight scenes in the sound design (or lack thereof) and cinematography is staggering. There is this powerful aura within the film that is utterly engaging.

Overall, Lone Wolf and Cub is an outstanding chanbara film that achieves a powerful unique marriage of style and substance. an absolute masterpiece when it comes to the samurai genre

sword of vengeance

[sofjanh · 3 July 2001]

I happened to catch this movie one night on the SBS(foriegn film channel in Australia). It was in it's original form with english sub titles. It really blew me away. The narrative just pulls you in - a lone warrior with his child, wandering the landscape in search justice. Similar plot line to all those classic spagetti western's with Eastwood- how can you not like it! And the child gives the film such a unique tension. I've just ordered the later compilation release - Shogun Assa

The Lone Wolf and Cub Series-Part 1:Sword of Vengeance.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 7/10 · 9 November 2015]

Reading an article in the UK film mag The Dark Side about the Video Nasty titles,I spotted a mention about an infamous Japanese samurai movie called Shogun Assassin.Searching round online,I was surprised to find out that Shogun was a composite of two films in a series.Whilst looking round for info on the series,I discovered that a Region 1 version of the first film in the series was being sold on Ebay,which led to me getting ready to meet the lone wolf and the cub for the first time.

The plot:

Vowing to get revenge on those who murdered his wife after he killed a Daimyo,Itto takes his young son Daigoro along with him,as they travel from one clan controlled village to the other.Getting into contact with a clan leader,Itto is hired to assassinate a rival clan leader's gang.Taking on the job, (even after facing two hidden would-be assassins!)Daigoro and Itto travel to the destination,where they discover that the clan leader is allowing all of his gang to murder the villagers,which leads to Itto setting his sights on getting revenge for himself and the villagers.

View on the film:

Based on Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima's Manga series,director Kenji Misumi & cinematographer Chikashi Makiura keep a strong root to the movies comic book origins,with Misumi covering Itto in deep shadows which give the title a striking depth of field.Closely working with editor Toshio Taniguchi,Misumi displays a razor sharp ear for silence which gives the red mist sprays and exposure of female flesh an unexpected poetic atmosphere,as Misumi's long, stilted wide shots cast the action against a warm, earthy backdrop,which is cut with the slashing of Itto's sword.

Adapting their Manga series,the screenplay by Kazuo Koike & Goseki Kojima disappointingly fails to give each of the clans and ronin gangs clear distinctive features,with the mad Yagyū Retsudo being the only samurai to stand out from the blended in crowd. Bringing their creation to life,the writers give Itto and Daigoro on the road adventures a wry sense of humour,as the duo run into everything from a Norse-God looking ronin,to a desperate to breastfeed mad women.Spending most of the film acting with a child who does not speak any dialogue, Tomisaburô Wakayama gives an excellent performance as Itto,thanks to Wakayama keeping the death of Itto's wife pressing down on his sombre shoulders during stylised ronin battles,as the lone wolf sets out to protect his cub.

Love it

[euanconn96 · 10/10 · 9 January 2014]

I absolutely love samurai genre films especially Seven samurai, yojimbo, sanjuro, samurai rebellion, throne of blood, Azumi, kill bill, last samurai and many others. my temptations were high before this film and one thing for sure I was not let down at all in my opinion this has to be my second most favourite samurai film behind Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. the sword fight scenes are beyond iconic especially the moments of silence when the main character Itto Ogami is moving katana drawn whilst circles of enemy soldiers are standing who don't even stand a chance against a ex shogunate executioner. this movie also is filmed beautifully, the angles and the colours are amazing. when it comes to fight scenes no one can beat the Asians seriously the Japanese samurai films and the Chinese kung fu moves both have an eye for detail. I highly recommend this film to samurai movie/ sword fighting lovers, even people who absolutely adored the kill bill series. you will not regret it 10 out of 10

A Swordsman and His Young Son on a Path of Destruction

[Uriah43 · 7/10 · 29 October 2022]

This film essentially begins during the reign of an insecure shogun who desperately wants to keep all of his feudal lords in line. To do that, he creates 3 different entities which incorporate spies, assassinations and a grand executioner. To that extent, the man responsible for carrying out all of these executions is a skilled warrior named "Ogami Itto" (Tomisaburo Wakayama) who is also the greatest swordsman in the land. After a few years, political intrigue soon develops within one of these entities with the decision being made to attain complete control over everything. To accomplish that, a small group of elite assassins are sent out to Ogami's home to eliminate him and then claim all of his power and authority. Yet, even though the attempt fails and Ogami manages to survive, his wife is killed in the process which subsequently leaves him as sole provider for his 1-year-old son "Daigoro" (Akihiro Tomikawa). Not long after that, he is framed for a crime he did not commit and subsequently ordered to commit suicide. Realizing that he has been isolated and outmaneuvered, he leaves the castle and, with his young son in tow, sets out on a campaign of revenge which leaves a path of death and destruction upon anyone who dares stand in his way. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, like many action films of this type, there were a number of scenes throughout the course of the movie that were totally unrealistic. It goes with the territory. Yet, even so, I still found this film to be rather entertaining due in large part to the way the story evolved from one scene to another along with the subtle humor along the way as well. That being said, there are a number of graphic scenes in this movie--so viewer discretion is advised. Regardless, I still enjoyed this movie for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Yeah... I guess I just don't get it

[shoobe01-1 · 5/10 · 22 March 2023]

It's not violent, it's cartoonish. The obviously fake effects are not even absurd but just cheap. The whole thing is like that: it's inconsistent and cheap. It switches from outdoors to very obviously on a set (or otherwise artificially lit). It's indifferently filmed, with color grade differences from shot to shot in the same scene, and a lack of focus ruining some of the dramatic closeups. Oh, some of those are ruined with poor costuming and makeup.

Acting is mediocre to poor, but I also found not one of the fights to be believable. No one is trying at all to put effort into it so it all just adds to the high school stage performance feel.

At least it's dense, inaccessible, and dated. The entire story hinges on matters of honor (even more than of revenge or betrayal or so on) and... we simply don't get that fully. But still, it's over long and flashbacks to 10 minute long conversations about who has the least honor abound, in that stilted Japanese Very Serious Man voice, of course.

It is just so tiring.