Shogun Assassin (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Collector's Edition)

Shogun Assassin is a movie pieced together from the two of the six part series of The Lone Wolf and Cub. Its a unrelenting world in Shogun Assassin as a Samurai is betrayed by his shogun, a man becoming more paranoid with age, but instead of killing him his wife is killed. The man then swears to one day avenge his wife as he takes his son along for this blood soaked journey. When I say blood soaked I am not exaggerating as the blood comes by the gallons as cuts seem to release showers of blood, yet this doesn't seem to take away from the movie and yet gives Shogun Assassin its own trademark. And yet through all the blood and violence it has a central theme of family and the bond of this father and son. Through this unrelenting world their bond not only stays solidified but seems to strengthen over the journey. So check it out, you won't be disappointed.

As a young teen, I saw Shogun Assassin and I never forget it. Now years later, it still has the same effect on me. Not to mention: Everybody who knows that I got the whole set wants to borrow it. There's 5 movies? I only saw number one......this and that. Is that so? Oh, back to the story. Why did it leave such an impression on us? From the beginning of the movie, you will see why this is such a unique film. It has some of the best karate moves we've ever seen! It's truly an ingeneous film for the time period and that's why it has such a large cult following. The story centers around Lone Wolf and Cub, a Samurai (the Best and most feared) on the run with his baby son, roaming the countryside pushing a baby cart armed with weapons to fight the shoguns that are sent to kill him. Actor Tomisaburo Wakayama is masterful and truly talented to be able to pull off the moves he displays through out this epic drama. It has everything you crave and love in a great karate flick; lots of action, nudity, and great fight sequences with a lots of blood. If you see this movie anywhere on Ebay, get it! You will not regret it. It's truly one of the best. Enjoy.

This legendary epic must be in the collection of every film fan. Shogun Assassin has sliced through pop culture much like the Lone Wolf slices through his adversaries, influencing everything from Wu-tang Clan's GZA's Liquid Swords LP to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films. Digitally reconstructed and yet as gritty as any modern flick, this film is still fresh, still current and punches through the screen like ninja spike fists. The premise kicks off with the same ol' revenge tale from every kung-fu movie ever made, but after that, the samurai sword gets swingin' and doesn't get sheathed until rivers of blood flow from the screen. Top-shelf action, razor-edge dialog to rival anything spewed by Jules Winnfield or Sonny Chiba, and cinematic frames and characters that could be ripped from comic book pages all make for one of the best funhouse hack'n'slash experiences a quarter-century after its initial release. "Your technique is magnificent. When cut across the neck the sound of wailing winter wind is heard, they say. I have always wanted to cut a man this way to hear that sound, but to have it happen to my own neck, is... ridiculous."

This movie by far will be among my favorite movies of all time. The story is done in a unique style with the child telling the story. I like the deep resolution of the characters to accomplish their goals no matter what gets in their way. The Shogun is eaten up with murder and without mercy, Lone Wolf wants vengence at any cost. A great film for any adult to watch. Due to the blood and severing of human limbs this film is not for the weak. A great martial arts movie.

Obviously, this is a Samurai movie geared specifically for the American audience. It was pieced together from multiple Lone Wolf and Cub films into this beautiful piece of work. For those hip hop heads, the intro from the GZA's "Liquid Swords" album is sampled from this movie.

If you are a martial arts buff or just the casual watcher ...this is a great starting film for you. If you don't have this in your collection, you're laggin behind the crowd.

You will not be disappointed by this bloody film.

Quentin Tarantino would approve of this film, why shouldn't I?