Shogun Assassin A.K.A. Lone Wolf and Cub • Kozure Ōkami (子連れ狼) (1980)

Shogun Assassin (1980), also released as Lone Wolf and Cub and Kozure Ōkami (子連れ狼), is a Japanese samurai action classic created for American audiences by Robert Houston from the first two Lone Wolf and Cub films directed by Kenji Misumi. Starring legendary actor Tomisaburo Wakayama, alongside Kayo Matsuo, Minoru Ohki, Akiji Kobayashi, Shin Kishida, and Masahiro Tomikawa, this cult favorite introduced generations of Western viewers to one of Japan's greatest samurai sagas. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

Story Snapshot

When master executioner Ogami Ittō refuses to submit to the powerful Yagyū Clan, his wife is murdered and he is falsely branded a traitor. Choosing the path of the assassin, he journeys across feudal Japan with his young son Daigoro, accepting deadly contracts while pursuing vengeance against those who destroyed his family. Every encounter brings father and son closer to a final reckoning with the clan that stole everything from them.

Why Collectors Pick It

Shogun Assassin introduced countless Western audiences to the legendary Lone Wolf and Cub series and became one of the most influential samurai films ever released on home video. Collectors prize it for Tomisaburo Wakayama's unforgettable performance as Ogami Ittō, its graphic sword battles, and its lasting influence on popular culture. The film famously inspired Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, while dialogue from Shogun Assassin was sampled throughout GZA's landmark Wu-Tang Clan album Liquid Swords, cementing its status as one of the greatest cult samurai films ever made.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shogun Assassin – International English title
  • Lone Wolf and Cub – American release branding
  • Kozure Ōkami – Hepburn romanization
  • Kozure Okami – Alternate romanization
  • 子連れ狼 – Original Japanese title
• Created By: Robert Houston
• Source Films Directed By: Kenji Misumi
• Starring: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Kayo Matsuo, Minoru Ohki, Akiji Kobayashi, Shin Kishida, Masahiro Tomikawa
• Label/Studio: Katsu
• Format: DVD
• Running Time: 81 Minutes
• Release Year: 1980

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.