Title:	Shogun Assassin	c
Publisher's site:	Horror Video	c
IMDB link	Internet movie database	c
Amazon link:	Shogun Assassin	c
Date:	1980	c
Available formats:	DVD & Video	c
Director/s	Kenji Misumi & Robert Houston	c
Starring:	Tomisaburu Wakiyama	Ogami Itto (Lone Wolf)
	Masahiro Tomikawa	Daigaro
	Kayo Matsuo	Supreme ninja

Shogun Assassin

Shogun Assassin is a surprisingly good film, from a DVD publisher that releases a lot of of drivel. Vipco proudly pronounces that "the version banned since 1983 - is at long last approved UNCUT!", but like most of their library, the only reason that it wasn't approved sooner is most likely because no companies could be bothered to buy the rights and submit it it for re-classification... Such gore as there is, is repetitive, and childish - spurts of blood gushing 10 feet from every severed neck. In all probability, it's a realistic depiction of decapitation, but it's tame by the standards of even today's TV movies.

However, don't let that put you off, because this is a terrific film, who's very raw, unsophistication is its greatest attribute.

Shogun Assassin tells the story of Lone Wolf, a Samurai who refuses to pay deference to his Shogun master Retsudo. Retsudo sends ninja assassins (no, not cheesy men dressed in black) to kill Lone Wolf, but instead they kill his wife. Lone Wolf agrees to fight the Shogun's son for his freedom, and in spite of the Shogun's trickery, Lone Wolf wins, and as a result must go on the run with his very young old son Daigaro.

The film follows Lone Wolf's efforts to avoid the never-ending onslaught of assassins and ninjas out to end his life, whilst eking out a living as a paid assassin himself.

The simplicity of the plot, and the lack of complicated scenery give this movie a unique charm, but it is Lone Wolf's ever-scowling face, which contrasts sharply with his tender relationship with his son that really makes it. The fact that at any time, he is prepared to sacrifice Daigaro's life, whilst at the same time being equally willing to sacrifice his own to protect the boy, makes for an interesting dynamic, and perhaps gives an insight into the Samurai, or ancient Japanese code of honour. Lone Wolf educates the boy in the ways of the Samurai, and despite his young age, on a number of occasions, the little boy takes an active role in some of the fights.

The sword-fights are mostly quite understated, yet mostly plausible and authentic. The only exceptions, are scenes in which the ninjas are doing the fighting.

Unlike high-budget modern films, Shogun Assassin works because it depends upon plot, acting and dramatic tension rather than ridiculous special effects. It's not glamorous, but that's its greatest asset.

It sparked a series of sequels, and in spite of having made dozens, even hundreds of movies, this cult movie remains Ogami Itto's most popular film.

Fight choreography			c	c	c
Fight authenticity					c
Entertainment					c
Overall score					c