Lone Wolf and Child: Assassin on the Road to Hell (1989)

LWaC: Assassin on the Road to Hell (1989)

Dir. Tokuzô Tanaka

Tanaka's film attempts to tell the entire Lone Wolf and Cub story in just 140 minutes, which is an insane undertaking. Nevertheless, it's a valiant attempt and an enjoyable evening's viewing for samurai fans.

Hideki Takahashi stars as the Shogun's one-time executioner, Ōgami Ittō. He does a damned good job at it, able to show compassion when the situation calls for it, but just the right amount because too much might compromise his stoic attitude. He's also deft enough with the dōtanuki to be believable.

Young Daigoro is played by Koji Aeba. It's a wholly subjective view, but for me young kids in Japanese films tend to be much less irritating than young kids are in most American films. Daigoro isn't just a third wheel in the Lone Wolf story, or some kind of amusing gimmick, he's an integral part of the tale and, thankfully, while Koji was likely too young to understand the importance of what he was asked to do onscreen, he at least carried it without fault and without ever being irritating. GJ, kid.

Stray Cat Rock: Films (1970)

Stray Cat Rock: Films (1970-71)

Dirs. Yasuharu Hasebe / Toshiya Fujita

There are five movies in Nikkatsu's Stray Cat Rock / Alleycat Rock series, but they aren't connected in any meaningful way other than being thematically similar and each one having actress Meiko Kaji in a lead role.

In the first, 01. Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss (1970 / Dir. Yasuharu Hasebe) a group of street-savvy women, really just 'chicks' with knives and razor blades, fight for a purpose when a sukeban (delinquent girl) rides into town and provides guidance.

It's interesting seeing the traditional roles of the sexes reversed in a 70s setting, and exploring how rules are applied and disregarded in the contrasting arenas of the street and the boxing ring, but, ultimately, Delinquent Girl Boss is 80+ minutes of style over substance played out to a soundtrack of funky jazz and psychedelic rock. If Dir. Hasebe had further indulged his willingness to explore a film frame's role in the telling of a story, then things might've been better.

Meiko Kaji: Zenkyoku Shu (2004)

Zenkyoku Shu (2004)

Getting a hold of Meiko Kaji's albums outside of Japan can entail paying up to three or even four times what you'd normally pony up for a CD.

However, if a Best Of... compilation will sate your needs, then Zenkyoku Shu (or Zenkyokushu) will fit the bill.

It has her most famous works; i.e. the themes to the Lady Snowblood and Sasori (Female Prisoner Scorpion) films, titled 'Shura No Hana' and 'Urami Bushi', respectively.

If you go to YouTube you'll likely find both of them easily enough. I checked at time of writing and they're both there. I'm not going to link directly to either one because with my shitty luck the ones I link will be the ones that get taken down a week or a year from now.

The remainder of the tracks float on similar musical waters, so if those two appeal to your secret, sensual side or your aspiring inner-samurai, then start saving your pennies or cents (or whatever passes for small change where you live) to cover the loathsome import fees.

Lady Snowblood: Films (1973-74)

Lady Snowblood: Blizzard from the Netherworld (1973)

Dir. Toshiya Fujita

Yuki Kashima was conceived without love and birthed for one reason: to be an instrument of posthumous vengeance for her mother.

The film is a clash of styles that merge together to create something unique and freeform. When it works, it’s a breathtaking example of Japanese B-movie vengeance cinema that's overly bloody and shamelessly violent. It knows what viewers want and it delivers it coloured blood-red.

It has much in common with the Lone Wolf and Cub films; it lacks the finesse of that series but Yuki cares little for finesse.