Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance
(altered American release: Shogun Assassin)
Japan, 1973
Directed by Kenji Misumi
Starring Tomisaburo Wakayama

This is the beginning of the legendary Baby Cart series, featuring Tomisaburo Wakayama as the samurai whose family is killed by the evil Yagyu clan during a power play.  Becoming a 'demon', and taking his baby son with him, the Lone Wolf travels the land, adhering to a strong code of honour, yet having no compunctions about brutally killing warriors who get in his way.

The cinematography in these films is so phenomenal that they embarass almost any North American release for a long time.  The action choreography fits perfectly in with the cinematography to create extremely fast and good-looking action.  The violence is brutal, with swords entering bodies at all sorts of angles and blood spraying everywhere.

At the same time, however, the Lone Wolf shares a fairly touching relationship with his son, and at points with those around him who are good.  While he is constantly under the attack of the Yagyu clan, he finds it within himself to help those in need.  Sometimes.

All in all..everyone should really watch this entire series.

There's not really anything on this DVD.

Movie: **** out of ****
DVD:  ** out of ****

Note:  This film is different from Shogun Assassin.  Shogun Assassin incorporates re-edited, re-dubbed, and re-scored scenes from the first three movies.  Shogun Assassin is brilliant as well.