Shogun Assassin (1980)

In a time when honor was the greatest virtue, a formidable samurai warrior pledged his allegiance to a once respected Shogun. As senility started to weave its sinister threads through the Shogun's mind, paranoia took root, casting a shadow over his rule. Fearful of any potential opposition, he dispatched his stealthy ninja spies to the samurai's tranquil home. The ninjas, however, met their match in the samurai but wreaked havoc by taking the life of his cherished wife. Thus, the samurai transformed into a vengeful ronin, a lone wolf, bound by honor and fueled by an insatiable thirst for retribution. Accompanied by his toddler son, Daigoro, he traverses the diverse landscapes of Japan, taking on mercenary tasks to fund his quest for vengeance. His journey, filled with relentless pursuit and fierce battles, is not just a path of revenge, but a crusade for justice. His ultimate destination lies in confronting the Shogun's fearsome trio, the Masters of Death. The Shogun, once his liege, now his sworn enemy, cowers in the fortress of his paranoia, awaiting the decapitator's blade. As the lone wolf and his cub wander the forests and tread the deserts, they are driven by a single purpose - to make the Shogun pay dearly for his unforgivable deeds. This epic saga of love, loss, and vengeance is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the samurai and the enduring power of a father's love.

Shogun Assassin is an action movie featuring Tomisaburō Wakayama and directed by Robert Houston.

Shogun Assassin is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.