Murphy Howard
I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
Blueghost
I'm not sure what it is with the Japanese and samurai films. There's nudity, there's lots of limbs getting slashed, lots of blood shed, sometimes spurting out like a fountain, sex, and lots of artistic cinematography for a genre that's not much more than a Japanese western, so to speak. That is to say just as there's a lot of Westerns that have pretty basic stories, but are also well shot and acted, so it is that Lone Wolf and Cub falls into the same realm in terms of pulp cinema, only it's swords instead of six-shooters, and of course it takes place in 19th century Japan instead of the old west (19th century USA).There's a ton of artistry that has gone into the shooting of these films. Shots are carefully staged, though by this time one gets the sense that the cinematic lexicon for Samurai films was less art and more science, or that is to say the people doing the actual shooting knew what shots to set up to accentuate emotions for given scenes. Having said that, the films are well put together, but it's only with this first film in the series that we get a sense of the main character's drive; i.e. who he is, what he is about, and what propels him forward. After this film it's more or less a series of adventure episodes that don't go beyond the Ottami character carrying out contracts, and dazzling the audience with katana theatrics. Still, you can't help but appreciate the spectacle that are these films, and the bluray transfer and restoration makes them look extreme vivid. The viewer can see imperfections in the actor's skin, the sweat as it beads down over acne or pours, the viewer can discern different fabrics and a whole host of visual detail that should enhance the viewing experience.The only down shot to the samurai genre is that it is rather cliché once you get past looking into the main character. For all the fights (sometimes just slaughter, some of which is almost cartoon- like in execution, it borders on being ridiculous, and might be given the right unappreciative audience), there's not much introspection as to why the conflicts are taking place. And this is where the "cliche factor" falls into place, for just as American westerns usually deal with outlaws, so are we too here given the Japanese version of the such. And then on top of that, unlike American westerns were sometimes the gunmen seem to have revolvers that never need to be reloaded, we get a samurai and his child taking on sometimes entire armies of swordsmen. The acting is typical over-the-top Japanese style, but works for what it is (mostly anyway), and the more prosaic or less theatrical fights where it's just the main character going against another swordsman, are okay. But the more super-human feats seem to push the films into the unbelievable category, and this comes from a guy who loves science fiction from the 1960s, where SFX technology was not at its peak.For me, well, I found the films interesting for what they are, but I can't say that I'm a fan of them. I'd heard about them over the years, and seen the Americanized version of the comic books (manga) here and there, and now having seen most of the films, and liking the samurai genre, I think I can say I see why they were such a big success in Japan, but I also see them as being borderline comical; i.e. almost falling into the "awe come-on" area of stretching or breaking suspension of disbelief.Still, if you're into samurai films, then maybe check first one out and see what you think.Give it a shot.
ac6676075
I first heard about these movie after one of my friend's recommended me to watch it.so I purchased the DVD off amazon and I have to say I am not disappointed, I love action movies especially those of die hard and terminator 2. the kill count in these movies make die hard look like a Disney film lol. the gore is over the top but when I say that over the top with brilliance. the story is easy to understand and well written also brilliantly executed.overall this movie deserves 10 out of 10 this movie should have more reviews because it is awesome!!!!
bc7941644
I absolutely knew from the beginning that I would love this film especially when the main character started swinging his sword resulting in blood rushing out of his enemy bodies like a sprinkler. also the scene where his infant child plays a part in defeating his enemy he had challenged to a dual. the character were likable the main character Itto, the brave prostitute who he saves and last but not least in my opinion the most likable the child. in my opinion the music which was perfect early 70s cinematic music was excellent. the sound effects were brilliant. the editing was perfect also the colours and camera angles were absolutely beautifully perfect especially during the swordfight/ dual scenes. I would have to rate this movie a 10 out of 10 my second favourite film behind the godfather.
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
