Leofwine_draca Having previously only seen SHOGUN ASSASSIN, I was pleased to finally get the chance to sit down and watch the entire six-film Lone Wolf & Cub series, beginning with this, the first entry. I was hoping for a treat, and with this film, I got one! It's a brilliantly conceived historical adventure film, blessed with Toho's fantastic production values and some truly lush cinematography. It follows the action template of cinema perfectly and is one of the most purely enjoyable samurai movies I've yet seen. A simple film, full of action and event, and yet at the same time it serves as a moral critique of Japan's violent and impassioned feudal era for those who like to look deeper into their films.The revenge story is well crafted and the film packed with many larger than life characters: prostitutes, bandits, mad women, noble warriors, and frightened villagers. Towering over all these are the central twosome, with Tomisaburo Wakayama as the typically 'stony-faced' Japanese assassin and Akihiro Tomikawa as his absolutely gorgeous and lovable son. The film is dotted with superb action sequences full of the usual blood-spurting swordplay and in addition the backdrops are beautifully shot, making this a sumptuous film to watch. Along with the violence, there's plenty of female nudity and sex along the way, so exploitation fans will be in heaven. There's a slow twenty minutes or so before the climax, but aside from that it's a classic film: one that feels stylish and epic throughout, despite the adult themes. I can't wait to watch the sequel!

euanconn96 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

londonscot2003 Absolutely breathtaking. I thought it was a bit too violent, a bit too sexual, and a little weird. But all of these things only added to the experience. This is a movie truly for comic book fans. But then again, I like serious movies that are extremely violent and well, it looks like I am watching the right type of stuff. .Now the story is so captivating, it is the first time in a while that I was watching an Asian film and was really excited, but patiently waited and watched with great interest as the story unfolded. The final battle of the movie was great and really has you saying, "man, I hope this story continues". And ALL of the characters are wonderful as they are bursting with character in their appearance. The acting is also superb. Overall I would have to give this film a 10 out of 10

BA_Harrison 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.