Shôkin kubi: Isshun hachi-nin giri

The director who started it all returns to close out the trilogy with a convoluted, and very violent tale of greed with a touch of revenge.

The theft of almost a half ton of gold from the shogunate's official mine threatens to bankrupt the government of Japan. Despite a desperate search the gold has not been found, causing officials of the Tokugawa bakufu to call on their most skillful secret agent, Shikoro Ichibei. This is the third and final chapter of the Shokin Kasegi (Bounty Hunter) series starring the peerless Wakayama Tomisaburo as a doctor who doubles as a bounty hunter with a vast array of weapons and the greatest sword skill in the land.

The discovery of a gold coin in the belly of one of his patients provides the first clue to finding the stolen bullion and saving the nation.

Our bounty hunter meets up with assorted characters, but none are loyal to anyone outside of their own interests. Virtually no one is trustworthy here.

Wakayama again plays Shikoro with a treasure chest full of charm and brutish intensity.

Tremendous action scenes highlight this ultra-violent epic as the Land of the Rising Sun is suddenly plunged into darkness!

Conclusion - His role as Shikoro Ichibei -- particularly in this movie - is likely among his best performances.

Rating - 7/10.