Onmitsu Kenshi

Onmitsu Kenshi was created by the same crew credited with the popular early 60s Japanese TV series, The Samurai aka Spy Swordsman. It became extremely popular kids TV Shintaro a cult phenomenon down here in OZ . As the series ran Toei Company produced in 1964 two black-and-white action features based on characters from the series . This first film, titled Onmitsu Kenshi , concerns a group of daimyo led by the Lord of Owari who are involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the shogun.. Featuring the great actor Ose Koichi who plays Shintaro Akikusa , he is a fearless Samurai who finds himself in the centre of political intrigue amidst a deadly clash between the shadow forces of the Iga and Koga ninja clans. The dark tale is action packed, and certainly is on a level that is not suitable for kids. As the duelling forces clash with stunning viciousness, the body count starts to rapidly mount, much blood is drawn often with gruesome detail. The story plot may be a bit thin, however it is exciting atmospheric ninja samurai drama, dramatically filmed with an outstanding cast . hard to believe no votes here ? . Highly Recommended Classic Japanese Cinema !!

Having been addicted to the series for 50 years, you can imagine my delight in discovering this movie length cinematic feature. I'm proud to own a copy but mine has no dubbing nor subtitles. Perhaps evidence of my devotion is that I've watched it innumerable times without understanding one word of the dialogue. The chemistry, action and themes however, so familiar from 50 years of devotion, are timeless and most welcome. The TV series cast reprise their roles in this Japanese classic.

What a treat to see Shintaro, Tombei and Kongo dispensing their brand of martial action with a cinematic budget. The choreography and production values are fantastic. To a die hard fan like me, this is a priceless addition to my collection. see if you can grab a copy. There's another movie too but I can't tell you the name. To have discovered this is to look back into my memories and see something new. How often can you claim that?