Welcome one and all to the 5th part of my weekly blog feature, The 52 In 52. The concept is simple, I have a lot of DVDs and Blu Rays that I have bought over the years that have gathered dust. This year I will be watching one of those films a week and reviewing them. Over the past 5 weeks I have reviewed 11-11-11, When The Lights Went Out, Upgrade and Prince Of Darkness please go and check all of them out before reading this weeks entry. If you have any comments of feedback you can leave it in the comments section below or by following me on Twitter and Instagram
This week I am reviewing Shogun Assassin, a film that I have owned for a few years and it has sat on my shelf. I'm a little disappointed I left it so long.
Shogun Assassin is a film released to the movie going public outside of Japan in 1980 but, was made in 1972. The film is an adaptation of the wildly successful Manga series, Lone Wolf And Cub. Shogun Assassin was released originally in the United States by Robert Houston and David Weisman, fans of the original films, who edited parts of the first two movies in the Japanese Jidaigeki(Period Drama) series, Sword Of Vengeance and Baby Cart At The River Styx into one film. The story follows Lone Wolf and his son on a journey to gain vengeance for their murdered wife and mother. Lone Wolf journeys from village to village hunting down those who are responsible for his descent into becoming an assassin.
I must say that I really enjoyed Shogun Assassin but, it's not for everyone. I'm not the biggest fan of this type of Japanese cinema but, I remember being recommended this film a few years ago after I really enjoyed Lady Snowblood. Whilst there is a story, it is very patchy at best. Before I watched Shogun Assassin I was unaware that this was two films worked together but, it is obviously disjointed. I really enjoyed the narration throughout the story of Diagoro, the son, which really pulls the story together even with a lack of dialogue throughout scenes.
The action sequences are a little over the top and fantastical which border on ridiculous at times but, this made it feel like I was watching a real life comic. These types of films were obvious influences on Kill Bill and more modern Japanese films such as Blade Of The Immortal. The fight sequences were really fast paced and really well choreographed which really added to my enjoyment.
The soundtrack throughout really didn't fit with the film, it would have been more suited to an American exploitation film of the 70's, which Shogun Assassin was as as one of Roger Corman's Grindhouse cinema releases. That didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall I enjoyed Shogun Assassin. Whilst the story was a little lacking in places it was more than improved by the visuals and choreography. If you enjoyed Lady Snowblood, or Kill Bill you will probably enjoy this film but, as I said this type of film isn't for everyone.
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