Shogun Assassin
Shogun Assassin

Movie spotlight

Shogun Assassin

1980
Movie
85 min
English

A Shogun who grew paranoid as he became senile sent his ninjas to kill his samurai. They failed but did kill the samurai’s wife. The samurai swore to avenge the death of his wife and roams the countryside with his toddler son in search of vengeance.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Google Users85%
Director: Robert HoustonGenres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, War

Plot Summary

Lone Wolf, a highly skilled samurai and executioner, roams the land with his infant son, Daigoro, after his wife is murdered by the evil Shogun. He seeks revenge for his family's death, taking on assassins and corrupt officials along the way. The film follows his journey as he trains his son to become a deadly warrior, all while seeking justice in a brutal feudal Japan.

Critical Reception

Shogun Assassin is a cult classic that gained notoriety for its stylized violence and unique blend of samurai action with a poignant father-son narrative. While often viewed as a B-movie by mainstream critics, it has garnered a dedicated following for its visceral impact and artistic presentation of swordplay.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish and brutal action sequences.

  • Celebrated for its unique narrative focusing on the bond between a father and son.

  • Often cited as a quintessential example of samurai cinema.

Google audience: Viewers frequently highlight the film's intense and well-choreographed sword fights, along with the compelling emotional core of the father-son relationship. Many appreciate its raw, unfiltered portrayal of violence and its lasting impact on the action genre.

Fun Fact

Shogun Assassin is actually a re-edited compilation of two earlier Japanese films, "Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance" (1972) and "Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx" (1972), with new English-dubbed dialogue and narration added by director Robert Houston.

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