The film that launched one of the most influential sagas in martial arts cinema, Sword of Vengeance serves as the visceral origin story of Ogami Ittō. Once the Shogun’s highly respected “Kogi Kaishakunin” (Official Executioner), Ittō is framed for treason by the power-hungry Yagyū clan, led by the ruthless Retsudō Yagyū.
After his wife is murdered and his household decimated, Ittō refuses to commit ritual suicide. Instead, he offers his infant son, Daigoro, a choice between a ball and a sword—a choice that determines their destiny. Choosing the path of the assassin, the duo embarks on a quest for retribution as “Lone Wolf and Cub.” Traveling the countryside for hire, they navigate a world of political intrigue and deadly ambushes, marking the beginning of their journey toward the ultimate confrontation with the Yagyū.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Kenji Misumi |
| Ogami Ittō | Tomisaburō Wakayama |
| Daigoro | Akihiro Tomikawa |
| Retsudō Yagyū | Tokio Oki |
| Writer (Screenplay) | Kazuo Koike |
Key Highlights
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The Choice: The iconic scene involving the ball and the sword remains one of the most powerful and somber moments in samurai cinema.
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Cinematic Style: Director Kenji Misumi establishes the series’ signature aesthetic: a mix of stoic, traditional drama and explosive, stylized gore.
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The Baby Cart: We see the first iterations of the weaponized pram, which becomes a symbol of the bond—and the danger—shared by father and son.
“A man who chooses the Road to Hell must walk it with the heart of a demon.”
