Kenji Misumi’s Sword Trilogy

Originator of the hugely popular ZATOICHI and LONE WOLF AND CUB franchises, Kenji Misumi was a master of the chanbara (“sword fighting”) genre who brought thrilling stylistic flourishes and unique psychological and emotional depth to his many classic films. Among his finest achievements, the three thematically linked works that make up his so-called Sword Trilogy—all starring Raizo Ichikawa—combine breathtaking visuals with complex explorations of family, tradition, heroism, masculinity, and violence.