Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx

Spectacular Film. All 6 of them. They were condensed for american audiences as 'shogun assassin', but of course it leaves out so much trying to cram six films into one movie. Basic Plot Summary (covering the series, not the individual film): Ogami Itto, the executioner who would behead the highest ranking officials sentenced to commit seppuku (self disembowelment), is framed by the Yagyu Ninja who work under the shogunate but want to obtain Itto's position and rank. The result: Itto gives up his humanity effectively becoming a 'demon' (only in a metaphorical sense) and commits to the path of revenge. He hires himself out as an assassin to fund his one man campaign as he works closer and closer to his goal. The six films follow Itto as he lives as a sword for hire, as he pursues the Yagyu, and as they attempt to assassinate him. Well filmed, Great Characters, Great direction. The characters make the story here. Fun Fact: The actor who portrays Ogami Itto is Wakayama Tomisaburo. He is the Uncle of the famous actor Katsu Shintaro. Katsu Shintaro owned Shintaro productions that produced the films. AND, he was the actor who portrayed Zatoichi, The Blind Swordsman which consisted of 26 films and a few series worth on television. Zatoichi is another great character. If you like this movie, watch Zatoichi. If you like Zatoichi watch this movie. Enjoy~

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