Warchild : Genre : C

Theatrical: 1978

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 163

Summary: A genre filmmaker excelled in samurai films, Gosha Hideo began his career in producing and directing action dramas and series in television in the sixties. BANDITS VS SAMURAI SQUADRON, made in the middle period of his career, is one of his most ambitious films. Spanning over ten years and with a complicated plot involving more than a dozen speaking parts, weaving a web of passionate love and spiteful vengeance, the film manages to be both highly entertaining and stylized. The story involves with a former samurai warrior who abandons his class to become the leader of a gang of bandits. He leads his outlaws in an attempt to rob the castle of his former clan to revenge for the destruction of his own family by the official whom they served.

Theatrical: 1955

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 94

Summary: Uchida's comeback film is a key work of postwar Japanese cinema, and, like all of Uchida's work, is unavailable in North America. (As Craig Watts notes at the end of his important essay on the film, "Either a trip to Japan or saintly patience is in order" to see it; now we can at least reward the latter.) As decisively as Kurosawa before him, Uchida broke the conventions of the chambara (sword fight film) with his witty, loose-limbed A BLOODY SPEAR AT MT. FUJI, about a samurai delivering a tea cup to Edo. SPEAR marks Uchida's postwar return to Japanese cinema and to progressive principles, but its homecoming is strikingly ambivalent in its values. As Craig Watts has written, "Both progressive and nostalgic, humanistic and nationalistic, peaceful and violent, BLOOD SPEAR, MT. FUJI, like the Japanese experience in Manchuria, is an aggressive conglomeration of extremes." From its shambling "on the road" opening, scored with jaunty jazz and enlivened by a flagrantly artificial setting and proliferation of incident, to its SHANE-like ending, the film takes in a remarkable range of characters and classes, of tones and traditions. Full of subplots and spin-offs, scatology, sentimentality, and social satire, this simple tale becomes a sprawling epic whose culmination - a fight to the death amongst gushing sake barrels - shocked the Japanese audiences of its time with its sheer vehemence. This was Uchida's first work with the great period star, Chiezo Kataoka, who appeared here with his son and daughter, Motoharu Ueki and Chie. "A fine period drama with lyricism, humour, and violent emotion" (Tadao Sato).

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 81

Summary: In PORNO PERIOD DRAMA, Tetsuro Tanba plays a nihilistic ronin who faces down the "Clan of the Forgotten Eight", who got their name because they lost all their basic emotions like conscience, gratitude, loyalty, shame etc. With his sword Onibouchou (literally: Ogre's Kitchen Knife!) Tanba's character hacks into their ranks in ways that has limbs and severed heads fly everywhere and the blood flows in rivers! On his way, he only stops to take every woman he meets, forcefully if need be!

Theatrical: 1986

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 115

Summary:

Theatrical: 1962

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 71

Summary:

Theatrical: 1945

Studio: Shochiku Kinema Kenkyû-jo

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 65

Summary: Kiyone Sakurai, an apprentice swordmaker makes a sword for his guardian, Kozaemon Onoda. Onoda breaks the sword while defending his lord which eventually leads to his death at the hands of Naito, when Naito demands to marry his daughter Sasae. Sasae vows to avenge her father's death and pleads for Kiyone Sakurai to make a special sword for her. So Kiyone and his fellow swordmaker Kiyotsugu go to the master swordsmith Kiyohide Yamatomori to learn their craft and forge the sword.

Theatrical: 1972

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 80

Summary: In this second film of the "Mikogami" Trilogy, Jokichi, thirsting for revenge, rashly attempts to assassinate the evil Chogoro but ends up being captured by Yakuza. His life is spared by Boss Juzaburo, in order that the harmony of an important commemoration not be further disturbed.
Though now even more of an outcast, Jokichi is asked by another Yakuza boss, Umezo, to guard Oyuki, the wayward daughter of Juzaburo. The tragic consequences of this assignment will lead him into a deadly trap and a final confrontation with Chogoro.
The Mikogami Trilogy will conclude with ""Slaughter in the Snow.""
DVD Features:
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen
English and Japanese with English Subtitles
Bonus Material Includes:
Image Galleries
Interactive Program Notes
Trailers
Run Time: 80 Minutes

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Synapse Video

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 90

Summary: The stunning Junko Miyazono stars in the first entry of the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series as Ohyaku, an innocent actress wrongly sent to prison and pushed by her tormentors to the point of no return. With a demon tattoo across her back and a sword in her hand, she embarks on a crusade of vengeance against all those who have wronged her, laying waste to man and woman alike in her quest for bloody retribution. More than just a swordplay classic, FEMALE DEMON OHYAKUs relentless cruelty, scenes of graphic torture, and unique mix of sex and sadism mark it as the first true Pinky Violence film, and highly influential on later sexy action series from Toei Studios throughout the 70s, such as the Sukeban and Female Convict Scorpion movies. Co-starring the legendary Tomisaburo Wakayama (LONE WOLF AND CUB).

Be sure to collect the other two volumes in the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series QUICK-DRAW OKATSU and OKATSU THE FUGITIVE for more action-packed female swordplay excitement!

Theatrical: 1972

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 94

Summary: Goyôkiba

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Tartan Video

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 132

Summary:

Theatrical: 1958

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 139

Summary: The story follows two greedy peasants in feudal Japan, Tahei and Matashichi, who are returning home from a failed attempt to profit from a war between neighboring clans. En Route they encounter the remnants of the defeated tribe that consists, most notably, of a famous General and a Princess who are hiding out in a fortress in the mountains. General Rokurota Makabe and Princess Yuki need to escape into allied territory with their large supply of gold so that they can rebuild their shattered clan. To do this the Peasants are tricked into helping them, with the promise that they will receive a large share of the gold when the destination is reached. Along the way, the General's prowess is put to the test as he must guide the 4, and later 5 with the inclusion of a freed slave, through close encounters with the pursuing enemy, and out of difficult situations the bumbling peasants manage to get them into.

Theatrical:

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Summary: This is the story of a ‘Drifting Crow’, which is slang for a homeless wanderer, who seeks the murderer of his father, brutally cut down by an armed robber. The killer has eluded the authorities after pulling the job, leaving 5 guards dead on the side of the road. This collaboration between Raizo as star, and Misumi Kenji as director ranks as one of the most unique films that they did together. Exciting action right up to the thrilling climax.

Theatrical: 1979

Studio: Phantom

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 137

Summary: A one-eyed hired assassin impresses Yakuza boss & is hired as his bodyguard, or Yojimbo, to protect him during an inter-clan conflict. He quickly rises in stature in the clan, but finds his boss's enemies almost overwhelming. 1979 film directed by Hideo Gosha (Oil-Hell Murder) & starring Tatsuya Nakadai (Ran, Seven Samurai) & Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill, Stormriders). Code 3/NTSC. Original Japanese dialogue. Optional English & Chinese subtitles.

Theatrical: 2008

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 120

Summary: Ayase plays a blind woman who roams about town with her shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese guitar), but she has exceptional sword skills with which she fights off yakuza and other villains

Theatrical: 1983

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 67

Summary: During the reign of Shogun Iemitsu, a great martial arts tournament was held to determine whether or not Iemitsu was to remain in power or cede it to his uncle

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Toho Company

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 109

Summary: Two ronin - an ex-samurai and an ex-farmer - get caught up a local officials complex game of murder and betrayal

Theatrical: 1974

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 89

Summary: Lady Snowblood (Shurayuki-hime) is caught by the police and sentenced to death for her crimes (in Lady Snowblood I). As she is sent to the gallows she is rescued by the secret police who offer her a deal to assassinate some revolutionaries.

Shura-yuki-hime: Urami Renga

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 186

Summary: A flamboyantly blood-spattered samurai revenge picture with a twist: the implacable seeker of retribution is a slender female (Meiko Kaji) with a flawless ivory complexion and a dead-center killer stare. Born in prison, Snowblood is raised by a martial priest and trained to fulfill a single purpose: tracking down, and dismembering (or bisecting), the four cackling fiends who killed her father and persecuted her mother to an early grave. Adapted from another "manga" comic book written by Kasuo Koike, whose most famous work became the legendary "Lone Wolf and Cub" film series, this 1973 programmer stays close to its pulp-paper roots: images from the comics are deployed in a couple of montage sequences, and the story is divided into four chapters drawn from the monthly "manga" installments. Stalwart leading man Toshio Kurasawa plays a crusading journalist who writes a series of Japanese dime novels based on Snowblood's exploits, and manages to flush out a couple of the evildoers in the process. "--David Chute"

Theatrical: 1974

Studio: Shochiku Kinema Kenkyû-jo

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 159

Summary:

Theatrical: 1984

Studio: Vci Video

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 130

Summary: A martial arts feature inspired by the 1814 epic Japanese novel, Nanso Satomi Hakkenden. The LEGEND OF EIGHT SAMURAI depicts the story of young princess Shizuhime (Yakushimaru) living in feudal Japan, facing the threats of the sinister forces of the Hikita Clan. The Hikita leader, Lady Tamazusa, wants the princess for a blood sacrifice that will sustain the evil witch's youthful appearance. When Shizuhime is kidnapped by the clan, only the Hakkenshi, eight samurai warriors endowed with the virtues of Confucianism, can save her from certain death. Bonus Features: Sonny Chiba Bio| Scene Selection. Specs: DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 130 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1983; SRP - $9.99.

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary: "Child and expertise for rent," reads the banner flying from the wooden cart of rogue samurai Itto Ogami (Tomisaburo Wakayama). With his infant son and a baby carriage stocked with a veritable arsenal in tow, Ogami rents his services for 500 pieces of gold while awaiting his revenge on the corrupt clan that murdered his wife. Director Kenji Misumi draws his distinctive graphic style from the legendary manga series written by Kazuo Koike (who adapted his own work for the screen) and adds an inspired cinematic device: when Ogami enters battle, the world falls silent, literally, until his sword strikes. The fights are savage--blades slash, limbs fly, and blood spurts like geysers--yet the film relaxes in moments of serenity and tenderness as the cooing baby boy marvels at the wonder of the world. An essential of Japanese action cinema, it launched a classic six-film series. "--Sean Axmaker"

Theatrical: 1972

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 81

Summary: "Kozure Ôkami: Sanzu no kawa no ubaguruma" ("Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx") is the second of six films adapted from the epic manga by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima. I have read through the first 27 volumes of the manga and while awaiting the publication of the final volume have been watching the film versions. What I am finding most interesting is how Koike, who did the screenplay, is adapting the original stories and weaving them together into a particular film. In the first film of series, "Kozure Ôkami: Kowokashi udekashi tsukamatsuru" ("Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance"), Koike basically took one early episode and incorporate as flashbacks the two pivotal stories of how Ogami Itto and Daigoro came to be walking the assassin's road. The approach is more ambitious for this second film.
Koike is again working with the early stories in the series (i.e., the ones that were written by 1972), but this time he weaves two different stories together to provide the basic narrative structure: the seventh episode, "Eight Gates of Decent," about a group of betsushikime (women warriors) dispatched to kill Lone Wolf and Cub, and the fifteenth episode, "Flute of the Fallen Tiger," where Ogami Itto faces three "masters of death" with distinctive fighting styles who are guarding his target. Ironically, the fourth episode, from which the film gets its title of "Baby Cart on the River Styx," is represented by only Ogami Itto showing his skill to a prospective client by throwing his sword through a screen to kill an unseen assassin. However, Koike incorporates small elements from several other stories, such as the attack of the two samurai (Episode 39, "Tidings of the Geese"), Ogami Itto's fever (Episode 12, "Tragic O-Sue"), and Daigoro learning to count (Episode 47, "Echo of the Assassin"). I do not mean to suggest that "Baby Cart at the River Styx" is just a cut and paste job, because Koike and director Kenji Misumi do come up with some new things, even if we are talking mostly the choreography of the attacks. But the chief virtue of these films is that they bring some of your favorite scenes form the Lone Wolf and Cub manga to the big screen.
The assumption here is that you know the basic story of why Lone Wolf and Cub walk the assassin's road constantly best by Yagyu assassins, even though Retsudo Yagyu never appears in the film. This is still the early part of the story, where Ogamii Itto's goal was to collect his 500 pieces of gold for each assassination (i.e., before he stole the Yagyu letter and forced Retsudo to launch an all-out attempt to kill father and son). The level of violence is at least on a par with the manga (lots of jets of spurting blood with accompanying sound effects) but the sex is turned down (i.e., no scenes of the betsushikime practicing naked). Tomisaburo Wakayama is a bit stockier as Ogami Itto than the character is drawn by Goseki Kojima, but he certainly captures the silent stillness of Lone Wolf. Akihiro Tomikawa as Daigoro does his best to capture that quality at appropriate moments in the film. What elevates this film above its predecessor for me is not all the bloodletting, but rather the ability to faithfully realize these characters and the sense of lyricism that ends the film with the "Flute of the Fallen Tiger" (you will understand the metaphor when you watch the final scene).

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 89

Summary:

Theatrical: 1972

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 81

Summary: Kozure Ôkami: Oya no kokoro ko no kokoro

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 89

Summary: Fifth film in the Lone Wolf & Cub Series. 5 warriors challenge Ogami to duels. Each has 1/5th of Ogami's assassin fee and 1/5 of the information he needs to complete his assassination. His mission is to kill a mad Daimyo before he destroys his clan!

Theatrical: 1974

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary: In the sixth and final film of the Lone Wolf and Cub series, the final conflict between Ogami Itto and the Yagyu clan is carried out.

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 84

Summary: Hitori okami-One late fall, while staying at an inn near Fukushima, Isazo befriends a young boy whose mother turns out to be his old love Yoshino, with whom he was unable to marry due to the class differences between them.

Theatrical: 1989

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Summary: Originally recorded on VHS (from an NGN TV Broadcast) Though not as visually stunning as the original 6 films, this TV movie is in my opinion more satisfying than both the 1973-1976 TV series and the 1993 movie in terms of action.

Theatrical: 1969

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 95

Summary:

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: Katsu Production Co. Ltd.

Genre: Chambara

Summary: A master swordsman, Kiichi Hogan, wanders Japan in search of the Spanish swordsman who murdered his parents and slashed his throat 18 years before. Renouncing any normal life the samurai has become the feared bounty hunter, "Devil" Hogan, the Mute Samurai.

Theatrical: 1969

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 88

Summary: The epic tales of Nemuri Kyoshiro, the 'Son of the Black Mass' come to their ultimate conclusion with Matsukata Hiroki having taken over the role upon the death of Ichikawa Raizo. A chance meeting with another half-Caucasian ronin, leads Kyoshiro into a deadly mission.

Theatrical: 1969

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 82

Summary: The epic tales of Nemuri Kyoshiro, the "Son of the Black Mass" near their conclusion as a young Matsukata Hiroki takes over the role upon the death of Ichikawa Raizo. Expert swordfighting abounds as the half-breed ronin runs afoul of the twin brother of the Shogun’s heir, who secretly plans to replace his brother and rule the nation. The deep running conspiracy includes some of the most powerful members of the Ruling Council. Meanwhile Kyoshiro must find a way to defeat some of the most skillful fighters he has ever faced. Matsukata Hiroki’s swordsmanship shines as he brings the character to a new level. Brilliant and exciting! Remastered Print Color Letterbox Edition

Theatrical: 1969

Studio: Synapse Video

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 84

Summary: In the final episode of the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series, Junko Miyazono appears one final time as beautiful swordswoman Okatsu the Avenger, but this time seeking Judayu, a corrupt merchant responsible for the death of her parents. Betrayed by her fiancé, Okatsu finds herself aided in her quest by a handsome stranger (yakuza film star Tatsuo Umemiya) who happens to be as handy with a sword as she is! What is the reason for his kindness, and will Okatsu be able to prevail against Judayu, now a powerful businessman with scores of allies in high places? Whatever the end may be, the restless spirits of her murdered parents drive OKATSU THE FUGITIVE along her crimson-colored road of vengeance. Master filmmaker Nobuo Nakagawa (Jigoku, Snake Woman s Curse) brings audiences the stunning end of the trilogy that inspired countless imitators among Toei s Pinky Violence films of the 1970s.

Be sure to collect the other two volumes in the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series FEMALE DEMON OHYAKU and QUICK-DRAW OKATSU for more action-packed female swordplay excitement!

Theatrical: 1973

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 81

Summary: In PORNO PERIOD DRAMA, Tetsuro Tanba plays a nihilistic ronin who faces down the "Clan of the Forgotten Eight", who got their name because they lost all their basic emotions like conscience, gratitude, loyalty, shame etc. With his sword Onibouchou (literally: Ogre's Kitchen Knife!) Tanba's character hacks into their ranks in ways that has limbs and severed heads fly everywhere and the blood flows in rivers! On his way, he only stops to take every woman he meets, forcefully if need be!

Theatrical: 1969

Studio: Synapse Video

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 89

Summary: Junko Miyazono returns as QUICK-DRAW OKATSU, the daughter of a swordmaster who takes on a power-hungry magistrate, in the second entry of the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series, directed by master filmmaker Nobuo Nakagawa (Jigoku, Snake Woman s Curse). Joined this time by Rui (Reiko Oshida), a wild young swordswoman, the two sexy avengers embark on a blood-soaked quest for revenge after Okatsu is raped and her father slaughtered by one of his assistants. Okatsu and Rui slash their way through dozens of evil men in order to settle the score with those who wronged them in this swordplay classic which features some of the best fight scenes of the series. Mixing a standard revenge plot with a healthy dose of modern-day sex and violence, the film proved to be a primary inspiration for some of the best female revenge sagas of the 1970s, including the Female Convict Scorpion and Lady Snowblood series. Co-starring the legendary Tomisaburo Wakayama (LONE WOLF AND CUB).

Be sure to collect the other two volumes in the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series FEMALE DEMON OHYAKU and OKATSU THE FUGITIVE for more action-packed female swordplay excitement!

Theatrical: 1965

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Summary: When the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled the land, Tatsuno castle in Wakisaka Clan's home of Harima held an established custom: an inspection of the arms warehouse. During one of these inspections, government inspector Magodayu Okuno finds a slight bit of dirt on the tip of a spear, which sparks an argument with a low-ranking member of the Wakisaka Clan, Shinpachi Ezaki.

Feeling insulted, Magodayu challenges Shinpachi, and is killed. Since then, the Okuno family has continually seeked revenge on Shinpachi.

An extremely violent climax highlights REVENGE, a tragic and underrated samurai classic, from master filmmaker Tadashi Imai and starring Kinnosuke Nakamura.

Theatrical: 1973

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 81

Summary: In PORNO PERIOD DRAMA, Tetsuro Tanba plays a nihilistic ronin who faces down the "Clan of the Forgotten Eight", who got their name because they lost all their basic emotions like conscience, gratitude, loyalty, shame etc. With his sword Onibouchou (literally: Ogre's Kitchen Knife!) Tanba's character hacks into their ranks in ways that has limbs and severed heads fly everywhere and the blood flows in rivers! On his way, he only stops to take every woman he meets, forcefully if need be!

Theatrical: 2004

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 72

Summary:

Theatrical: 1998

Studio: Tokyo Shock

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 111

Summary: Three centuries ago, a precious sword has been stolen by Kazamatsuri -- the sword, which historic and symbolic value is priceless for the clan (Shogun Tokugawa donated it to clan 80 years before that, at the same time that he established them as the local rulers). Lord's counselor's young son Heishiro goes to retrieve the sword himself to protect the clan from the shame or possible demise. He is accompanied with two friends, Shintaro and Tadasuke, and followed by the ninjas of the clan. After Kazamatsuri wounds Heishiro and kills one of his friends, the young aristocrat still wants revenge more than sword itself, but meanwhile have to recover from his wounds, in the small forest house of a lonely samurai and his daughter. At the same time, Kamazatsuri stays in nearby town in the entertainment center run by Okatsu and falls into her. The older samurai tries to dissuade Heishiro from fighting with Kamazatsuri, but is himself gradually drawn into the conflict.

Theatrical: 1966

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 75

Summary:

Theatrical: 1967

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 72

Summary:

Theatrical: 1962

Studio: Criterion

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 96

Summary: A group of idealistic young men, determined to clean up the corruption in their town, are aided by a scruffy, cynical samurai who does not at all fit their concept of a noble warrior.

Theatrical: 1954

Studio: Criterion

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 207

Summary: A veteran samurai, who has fallen on hard times, answers a village's request for protection from bandits. He gathers 6 other samurai to help him, and they teach the townspeople how to defend themselves, and they supply the samurai with three small meals a day. The film culminates in a giant battle when 40 bandits attack the village.

Theatrical:

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Summary: This is the tale of seven master swordsmen who band together to play an active role against the group planning to kill the 8th Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshimune and take over his position

Theatrical: 1969

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 122

Summary: Feudal Japan. Kamo Serizawa and Isami Kondo turn a collection of student fencers into a band of assassins known as the Shinsen Group, devoted to the Tokugawa shogunate and to an elegant code of action and behavior. Kondo leads the band against the forces of the Emperor in hopes of preventing his restoration to the throne.

Theatrical: 1960

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Summary: The stormy tale of the Shinsengumi is told from its birth by master film- maker Yasushi Sasaki, based on the original story by Kyoji Shirai.
The battles between the royalists and Shogunate supporters come to a fever pitch during the Gion Festival as the exclusionists plot to burn Kyoto and kidnap the Emperor. From its earliest beginnings as a group of ronin brought from Edo to protect the Shogun when he was in Kyoto to see the Imperial Highness, the group faces difficulties both from within and without. Commander Kamo Serizawa's past corrupt practices threaten the group's very existence as they seek redemption from the reputation he left them.

Theatrical: 1980

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 85

Summary: In a time of evil and tyranny, a stone-faced ronin wanders the countryside with his young son (and a weapon-filled baby cart), hunted by the merciless minions of an evil Shogun.
Once a noble samurai, he is now the most feared assassin in Japan, known only as Lone Wolf.
Starring the legendary Tomisaburo Wakayama, Shogun Assassin is perhaps the most famous samurai film in the Western world. Created by editing together the first two Kozure Ookami (Lone Wolf & Cub) films, Shogun Assassin has sliced through pop culture much like the Lone Wolf slices through evildoers, influencing everything from GZA's 1995 Liquid Swords album to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Volume 2. A quarter-century after its initial release, it remains one of the most deliriously violent and action-packed films of all time!
Now available for the first time in North America, Academy Award-winnning director Robert Houston's legendary epic has been reconstructed for this official release from new digital transfers of the original Lone Wolf & Cub films.
DVD Features:
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen
Dubbed in English
Bonus Material Includes:
Original Theatrical Trailers
Daigoro's History Lesson
Restoration Gallery
Program Notes

Theatrical: 1980

Studio: Diamond Ent. Corp.

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 117

Summary: In the middle of the 16th century, Hideyoshi, a power hungry warlord sets out to destroy the Momochi clan. He sends his war commander in search of the clan's hidden gold only to find that two daggers are the key to the hiding place of the treasured gold. Spanning decades, the quest for the missing daggers takes Shiranui through war and ancient tradition.

Theatrical: 1978

Studio: Adness

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 130

Summary: Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.

Theatrical: 1963

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 82

Summary: Nemuri Kyoshiro, a youthful and cynical ronin with unparalleled skill, is approached by both sides in a game of corruption, ambition, and double crosses. The leader of the Kaga clan, who thinks he has killed his smuggling partner, fears that the shogunate will discover his illegal activities. He learns of evidence that will prove his guilt. Meanwhile, his partner is not dead, and, assisted by a master of Shorenji boxing, is looking for revenge and for his loot. The Kaga leader sends the beautiful Chisa to enlist Nemuri's aid. The unexpected happens: the hard-bitten Nemuri falls in love. Can he protect her, topple the criminals, and avoid the boxer's deadly skill?

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary:

Theatrical: 1965

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 75

Summary:

Theatrical: 1987

Studio: Tokyo Shock

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 93

Summary:

Theatrical: 1965

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary:

Theatrical: 1966

Studio: Criterion

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 119

Summary: Ryunosuke is a sociopathic samurai without compassion or scruples. When he is scheduled for an exhibition match at his fencing school, the wife of his opponent begs Ryunosuke to throw the match, offering her own virtue in trade. Ryunosuke accepts her offer, but kills her husband in the match. Over time, Ryunosuke is pursued by the brother of the man he killed. The brother trains with the master fencer Shimada. In the meantime, however, Ryunosuke earns the enmity of the band of assassins he runs with, and it becomes a question of who shall face him in final conflict.

Theatrical: 1965

Studio: Criterion

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 85

Summary: Gennosuke, a clan retainer, kills one of the clan ministers as part of a plot to achieve reform. He is pursued by his former comrades, each hoping to complete the vendetta put on Gennosuke by the clan. With the help of a master swordsman, Yamane, Gennosuke has a chance at survival.

Theatrical: 1978

Studio: Toei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 159

Summary:

Theatrical: 1958

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Summary: One of Japan's most popular folklore characters, Tange Sazen, the One-eyed and One-armed swordsman, must rescue the Yagyu Clan from the treachery of a Master plotting to take over their postion as the Shogun's sword instructors. This is generally considered the definitive version of the story, with some unusual twists and turns along the way. Otomo Ryutaro is best known for his role as the One-armed one-eyed ronin with the mysterious past; and the colorful cast includes singing star Misora Hibari who was immensely popular at that time. Okawa Hashizo (who is best known as AOI Shingo of the "Shingo's Challenge" series co-stars as the noble young Yagyu clan heir.

Theatrical: 1972

Studio: ANIMEIGO

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 88

Summary: Can a sinful man change and find peace? It's unlikely in gang-plagued Japan. Jokichi of Mikogami, a drifter (and hired sword), goes straight after protecting a woman in distress: they marry, have a son, and Jokichi pursues his father's craft. After three years, the gangs he embarrassed when he saved his wife find the family and leave Jokichi in grief, vowing revenge. To parry his terrible swift sword, rival gangs join forces, hiring a prostitute to pose as a woman needing help and breaking the code of honor to double cross the drifter. He finds unlikely allies: a thief who aids him for fun and a one-eyed swordsman who may be Jokichi's equal in skill and honor. A woman watches.

Theatrical: 2007

Studio: Avex Entertainment

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 119

Summary: Remake of Akira Kurosawa's Sanjuro

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Empire Pictures

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 129

Summary: Slow-paced and subtle in presentation, "The Twilight Samurai" captures a side of the famed samurai that is rarely seen. Set in a northeastern province (Shonai) of late nineteenth century Japan, the film tells the story of Seibei Iguchi (Hiroyuki Sanada)--a low-ranking, debt-ridden samurai who, after losing his wife to consumption, struggles to care for his two young daughters and senile mother. Emphasizing the conflicts between duty and family, and love and class rank, director Yoji Yamada has created a film that is deeply engaging on several levels: a classic tale of honor, love, and courage.
Winner of 12 Japanese Film Academy Awards, as well as an Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, "The Twilight Samurai"lives up to its billing. But don't expect an action-packed, samurai-fighting film, or you will be sadly disappointed (there are only two modest fight scenes). "--Joel Berman"

Theatrical: 1961

Studio: Criterion

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 110

Summary: This semi-comic 1961 film by legendary director Akira Kurosawa ("Rashomon", "Ran") was inspired by the American Western genre. Kurosawa mainstay Toshirô Mifune ("The Seven Samurai") plays a drifting samurai for hire who plays both ends against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits and his ability to outrun his own bad luck. Eventually the samurai seeks to eliminate both sides for his own gain and to define his own sense of honor. "Yojimbo" is striking for its unorthodox treatment of violence and morality, reserving judgment on the actions of its main character and instead presenting an entertaining tale with humor and much visual excitement. One of the inspirations for the "spaghetti Westerns" of director Sergio Leone and later surfacing as a remake as "Last Man Standing" with Bruce Willis, this film offers insight into a director who influenced American films even as he was influenced by them. "--Robert Lane"

Theatrical: 2003

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 116

Summary: Blind Zatoichi makes his living by gambling and giving massages. But behind his humble facade, Zatoichi is a master swordsman, gifted with lightning-fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Zatoichi wanders into a town run by sinister gangs and a powerful samurai. He's destined for violent showdowns when he stumbles on two beautiful geishas avenging their parents' murder... Duels, wit and a touch of zen! Cult anti-hero Zatoichi is back in a sword-fighting adventure written, directed and starring Takeshi Kitano.

Theatrical: 1962

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 96

Summary: Zatoichi, the wandering masseur and master swordsman, is a mercenary hero with a difference: he's blind, and no less deadly for it. In his debut, Ichi shuffles into a gangster-run town like a wry con man, fleecing the dim-bulb gambling thugs and sponging off a local mob boss who wants the deadly Ichi on his side in an impending gang war. Released the same year Akira Kurosawa unleashed "Yojimbo", stocky Shintaro Katsu's modest and soft-spoken Ichi couldn't be more different from the dynamic Toshiro Mifune's swaggering and arrogant Yojimbo. Director Kenji Misume can't match Kurosawa's searing cynicism or dynamic action, but when Ichi finally lets loose after avoiding conflict for the entire film, his spare, sudden attack makes a startling contrast to the usual flashing swords and furious movements. Zatoichi returned in 25 sequels and a long-running TV series, always played by Shintaro Katsu.
The newly restored DVD features a small stills gallery, a fold-out insert with an essay by Tatsu Aoki (a self described "Ichi Freak"), and four collector cards. "--Sean Axmaker"

Theatrical: 1962

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 72

Summary: Blind swordsman/masseur Zatoichi is pursued by the retainers of a lord who fear that he will reveal a secret weakness of their master. Returning to the village where a year before he had killed Hirate, a much-admired opponent, Zatoichi encounters another swordsman and former rival in love: his own brother. He must face in combat not only the pursuing retainers but his own flesh-and-blood.

Theatrical: 1963

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 91

Summary: Blind masseur and master swordsman, Zatoichi, is tired of killing. He journeys to his old village looking for peace, but is pursued by the brother of Boss Kanbei, a man he's killed. Back home, Ichi connects with Banno, his teacher, who seeks prestige and has arranged for his younger sister, Yayoi, to marry into a wealthy samurai family. Ichi and Yayoi realize they are in love, but Ichi's request for her hand meets with Banno's derision. Ichi is also drawn into Banno's plot to kidnap the son of a wealthy man, ostensibly to aid the Mito Goblins, a gang of thieves on the run; but Banno wants to keep the ransom. Ichi wants harmony and love, but can he escape a destiny of violence?

Theatrical: 1963

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 86

Summary: Blind swordsman/masseur Ichi (known as Zatoichi, or "Masseur Ichi") angers a local yakuza gang when he defeats several of them in a wrestling match. When he finds that his long lost love Tane is nearby and romantically involved with a tough samurai in the employ of the gang, he remains in the village. Meanwhile, the young heir to the leadership is forced to confront his own fear and weakness when the gang insists he fight Ichi.

Theatrical: 1963

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 85

Summary: Blind swordsman/masseuer Ichi (or "Zatoichi") is asked by a dying man to deliver the maiden Mitsu (or "Omitsu") to her family in Edo, and Zatoichi feels honor-bound to do so. But rival gangs each have an interest in kidnapping the girl for ransom. Zatoichi joins with one of the gangs when the other gang captures Mitsu, but he then finds that to rescue her, he must fight both gangs.

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary: In the 1840s, Ichi, blind masseur and quick-draw swordsman, travels to the village of Itakura to pay his respects at the grave of Kichizo, a man he killed two years' ago. The villages in the area, after several years of famine, have struggled to raise 1,000 ryo in taxes they owe. The money is stolen while in transit to the governor. Ichi is accused as is Boss Chuji, a samurai Ichi respects. Ichi sets out to find the money and clear his own and Chuji's names. Along the way, he must face Kichizo's sister, some of Chuji's own gang, a corrupt governor, and his henchmen. Loyalties shift even as Ichi's moral compass stays true.

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 82

Summary: Blind masseur Zatoichi is nursed back to health by a young woman after he is shot by a gang member. Zatoichi, who had come to the village to repay a debt, now feels further indebted. He commits himself to use his amazing sword skills to help the young woman's father, whose river-crossing service is under attack by the same gang responsible for Zatoichi's wounds.

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 87

Summary: Blind swordsman/masseuse Zatoichi befriends a young woman returning home with her baby. When gangsters mistake her for Zatoichi and kill her, Zatoichi determines to escort the baby to its father. He gains the reluctant help of a young pick pocket and together they travel to find the baby's father. But they do not reckon on the father's reaction to their arrival, nor on their own growing feelings for the child.

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 86

Summary: Blind swordsman/masseuse Zatoichi befriends a young woman looking for her father, a village leader who has disappeared. As he helps her investigate the disappearance, Zatoichi also becomes involved with another young woman who is trying to help her brother, who has murdered someone at about the same time and place as the missing man was last seen.

Theatrical: 1965

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 84

Summary: Itinerant masseur and master swordsman, the blind Zatoichi, is near the village of his teacher, Hikonoichi, so he decides to visit. He learns of Hikonoichi's recent robbery and murder and the imprisonment of his virginal daughter, Osayo, in a brothel. Through friendship with Denroku, a local dice thrower and devoted father, Ichi uncovers an unholy alliance between the governor and the area strongman: among their scams is falsifying tax records to put farmers in debt, then forcing their daughters into prostitution at the boss's brothel. With help from Denroku's daughter, Otsuru, Ichi comforts Osayo until he can provoke showdowns with the villains and their henchmen.

Theatrical: 1965

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 88

Summary: Blind swordsman Zatoichi, jailed briefly, is implored by another prisoner to aid him in proving his innocence of a crime for which he is sentenced to death. Zatoichi is reluctant to get involved, because he knows how often such involvement has led to trouble in the past. But events conspire to thrust him repeatedly into involvement, and gradually he comes to believe in the man's innocence and determines to free him.

Theatrical: 1965

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 87

Summary: Zatoichi makes friends with a dangerous chess player, while fending off angry yakuza and bloodthirsty relatives out for revenge, and trying to save a sick child. Meanwhile, his luck with dice is turning...

Theatrical: 1966

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 83

Summary: Zatoichi comes upon a dying man who asks him to give a bag of money to "Taichi". Zatoichi has no idea who this is but when he comes upon a small town harassed by gangsters, he finds that "Taichi" was the man's young son. Along his travels he also met a blind monk who makes Zatoichi question his murderous lifestyle. In trying to help the town, Zatoichi kills some gangsters and becomes a hero to the boy. He must make a choice of whether to use non-violence and set a good example, or violence and set the boy on the wrong path in life.

Theatrical: 1966

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 82

Summary: The planned and promising pilgrimage to 88 shrines to find somehow the "meaning of death", suddenly stops at 18:10 when Ichi, following a horse, approaches a town of abused villagers

Theatrical: 1967

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 93

Summary: Zatoichi comes upon the town of Tonda, overrun by gangsters. Using one of his favorite techniques, Zatoichi proceeds to win 8 ryo in a rigged gambling game. Of course, the local gangsters attempt to kill him, and the adventure begins. It turns out a blacksmith named Senzo examines Zatoichi's cane sword, and discovers it to be forged by his old mentor. Senzo discovers the sword is at the end of its usefulness and will break when it is used next....

Theatrical: 1967

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 95

Summary: This 16th episode of Zatoichi tends to have a more complicated plotline than usual. This may be due to the fact that there are quite a few complicated characters in this film. Farmers in the province that Ichi has wandered into have clashed with the local Yakuza bosses, who wish to see the farms fail in order to increase their revenues.

The champion of the farmers are led by two different groups. One is by benenvolent and caring boss who wants to see the farmers taken care of better, and the other is a sort of philospher-samurai who wants to start an agrarian cooperative of sorts. The Yakuza bosses want to see the farms fail, because it will help increase their gambling revenues. Sound a little complicated yet?

The acting in this episode is very good; however, it seems as if the director Satsuo Yamamoto was trying to put too much into this particular Zatoichi episode. Moreover, lost in this film is the noble qualities that we are used to with the Ichi character. I believe too much reliance on severed limbs, and lots of blood was the major problem with this episode. Yes, I am aware that Ichi lives in violent times and the nature of the swordsman sometimes requires the lopping off of a limb or two. But good writing always takes precedence to the violence.

However, the cinematography in the film is absolutely beautiful as usual: The stunning Japanese countryside is shown in all its splendor. I would not say this was the worst Zatoichi film. It could have been better; however, the storyline just didn't go anywhere with me. Recommended, but with caution.

Theatrical: 1967

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 87

Summary: Ichi is staying at an inn when a woman dies. Her dying wish is that Ichi take her son to his father, an artist living in a nearby town. After arriving in the town, Ichi finds out that the father has been forced by a local boss to create illegal pornography to pay off his gambling debts. Ichi makes it his mission to save tha man and reunite the family, even though it brings him into conflict with a samurai he sort of befriended on his way to the town

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 82

Summary: Blind masseur and master swordsman Zatoichi becomes involved with a gang of bandits hiding out in a small village. While they hide in the attic of a silk mill, they manipulate the corrupt chief official of the town. Simultaneously Zatoichi tries to rescue a young woman from the sweatshop conditions of the mill. Eventually he must confront not only the leaders of the town but the outlaw gang in battle.

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 84

Summary: Zatoichi is forced to kill a young man who owes a debt to a yakuza boss. Moments later, his sister Osode arrives with the money she earned (prostituting herself) to pay his debts. The bosses true motives are revealed and he attempts to steal Osode even though the debt is paid. Zatoichi realizes his grievous error and protects the girl from the gang. Osode and Zatoichi are caught in a dilemma as she must rely on her brother's killer for protection and Zatoichi wrestles with the injustice he has caused.

Theatrical: 1970

Studio: Daiei

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 79

Summary: With a price on his head, Ichi seeks tranquillity in a favorite village. Since his last visit, it has fallen prey to Boss Masagoro, the son of a merchant rumored to have stolen gold from the shogunate. The boss has hired Yojimbo as his hard-drinking enforcer, but Yojimbo is both a spy for the shogunate, trying to find the gold, and in love with the merchant's unwilling mistress, Umeno. Ichi hires on as the merchant's masseur and buys Umeno's freedom with his employer's own money. This embarrasses Yojimbo who withdraws from a pact with Ichi to stir up trouble between father and son and their gangs. As the two sides fight, Ichi finds the gold and sets up a final set of confrontations.

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: Tokyo Shock

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 116

Summary: As the 26th installment in a popular film series that lasted 27 years, "Zatoichi" is essentially a "greatest hits" compendium of all the films that preceded it. That makes it essential viewing for Zatoichi fans and anyone interested in the voluminous "source code" for Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill". Known in Japan as "Zatoichi 26" or "Zatoichi '89", this lavish production was the last to star Shintaro Katsu, who originated the title role of "the Blind Swordsman" in 1962's "The Tale of Zatoichi" and served triple-duty as writer and director of this stylishly violent latter-day adventure. Now much older and still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi (or, in Japanese, "Zato Ichi") seeks a quiet life among the gentle people of Edo Period villages, but when he's caught in a power struggle between rival Yakuza clans, his reputation as a deadly defender of the innocent precedes him, and he's forced to fend for himself in a series of sword-wielding showdowns. Between geysers of spurting crimson, this gorgeous "Zatoichi" film delivers good humor and mild sentiment, although series devotees were justifiably disappointed when the familiar plot failed to advance Zatoichi's legend in a middle-aged context. Still, the action sequences are frequent and fun, and despite controversy surrounding an accidental death during the climactic battle (for which Katsu's son, playing a villain, was ultimately found not guilty), this was a fitting farewell to Katsu's involvement in the franchise, which was revived once again with the successful release of Takeshi "Beat" Kitano's "Zatoichi" in 2003. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1971

Studio: Red Sun

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 94

Summary: When a small boy halts an official Nambu Samurai Procession and, consequently, is about to be executed; Wang Kong, a one-armed swordsman from China, steps in to save him. The result is a massacre of the local peasantry. Now a target for the Nambu Samurai, who wish to eliminate all witnesses to the incident, Wang Kong must become an outlaw to survive. Meanwhile, Zatoichi comes across the same small boy in the arms of his mortally wounded father, another victim of the samurai massacre. His last wish is for the blind swordsman to take care of his son.
While traveling with the boy in his care, Zatoichi and Wang Kong meet. With a bounty on Wang's head, mistrust and deception grow as the local boss sees his opportunity to gain power and influence. With their two different languages acting as a barrier between them, the two swordsmen are destined to meet in battle, where only one will walk away.

Theatrical: 1990

Studio:

Genre: Chambara

Duration: 95

Summary: The film centers on Jigoku-gokuraku-maru, a samurai on the lam. One bounty hunter hoping to collect the sizeable reward is Teppo Oyuri, a comely lass who is an ace shot with her pearl-laden pistol. Before she can set her sights on Jigoku-gokuraku-maru

Theatrical: 1947

Studio: MGM

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 109

Summary: An episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for a new cathedral paid for by a stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, at work, and in his families affections, as Christmas approaches.

Theatrical: 1988

Studio: Image Entertainment

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 60

Summary: Pee-wee Herman and pals are celebrating Christmas in the Playhouse in their own creative ways: Pee-wee makes a list for Santa Claus 1 1/2 miles long, teaches Little Richard how to ice skate, goes for a sleigh ride with Magic Johnson, commands Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello to make Christmas cards, receives a long phone call from Dinah Shore, even has more musical fun with k.d. lang, the Del Rubio Triplettes and Charo! Finally, Big Red arrives and announces that Pee-wee's Christmas list was so big, he didn't have enough presents for all the children of the world. Will Pee-wee follow his own advice and help others?

Theatrical: 1983

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 98

Summary: "A Christmas Story" is on its way to becoming an annual holiday classic, one to keep on the shelf with "It's a Wonderful Life", the puppet-animated "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". It may have been directed by Bob Clark (responsible for the "Porky's" pictures), but it's based on the childhood memoirs of humorist Jean Shepherd (from his hilarious book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash"). And it is Shepherd's wry, deadly accurate and gently nostalgic comic sensibility that shines through in this kid's-eye-view of an all-American Christmas in the 1940s. All little Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants under the tree on Christmas morning is a Daisy Brand Red-Ryder BB rifle. He not only wants it, he's consumed with an aching desire for it. Unfortunately, his mother (Melinda Dillon) repeatedly crushes his dreams with the familiar, harsh mantra: "You'll put your eye out!" Among the movie's highlights are a surrealistic visit with little brother Randy to a department store Santa, and the childlike mixture of delight, pride, and awe with which Ralphie's dad (Darren McGavin) takes possession of a spectacularly gaudy prize he's won in a radio contest. McGavin should have won an award for his splendid comic work as a middle-aged-kid-turned-patriarch who alternates between grownup temper tantrums and unabashed juvenile joy. "--Jim Emerson"

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 97

Summary: It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Sony Pictures

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 99

Summary: Slapstick humor gets a full-body workout in "Christmas with the Kranks". Critics were unanimous in their derision, and John Grisham must have gnashed his teeth over what studio-boss-turned-director Joe Roth did to his bestselling novel "Skipping Christmas", to which this broad-stroked comedy bears little or no resemblance. The title characters are played by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who decide to skip Christmas because their daughter's in Peru with the Peace Corps. Thus begins a rabid program of enforced conformity when their neighbors (led by Dan Aykroyd) coerce the Kranks into changing their holiday attitude--a change that comes easily when the daughter announces she'll be home for Christmas after all. Imagine if a suburban lynch mob said "Have a Merry Christmas or we'll kill you," and you'll get some idea of what spending "Christmas with the Kranks" is really like. And if you laughed at the frozen cat, you're probably on Santa's "naughty" list. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2006

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 93

Summary: Good neighbors can be hard to come by and when the flighty Buddy Hall (Danny Devito) moves in across the street from the conservative Dr. Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick), it quickly becomes apparent that the two men are complete opposites. While Finch methodically plans out every minute of the coming Christmas season for his family, Buddy craves freshness and excitement and is seized by an impulsive desire to decorate his house so brightly that it can be seen from space. While the men's wives Kelly (Kristin Davis) and Tia (Kristin Chenoweth) and their children revel in one another's differences and form solid friendships, a rivalry of personalities and Christmas spirit ensues between the two men that will wind up testing the patience and love of every member of both families. This is fun, comical holiday entertainment for the entire family ages 9 and older. "--Tami Horiuchi"

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: New Line

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 95

Summary: "Elf" is genuinely good. Not just "Saturday Night Live"-movie good, when the movie has some funny bits but is basically an insult to humanity; "Elf" is a smartly written, skillfully directed, and deftly acted story of a human being adopted by Christmas elves who returns to the human world to find his father. And because the writing, directing, and acting are all genuinely good, "Elf" is also genuinely funny. Will Ferrell, as Buddy the adopted elf, is hysterically sincere. James Caan, as his rediscovered father, executes his surly dumbfoundedness with perfect aplomb. Zooey Deschanel, as a department store worker with whom Buddy falls in love, is adorably sardonic. Director Jon Favreau ("Swingers") shepherds the movie through all the obligatory Christmas cliches and focuses on material that's sometimes subtle and consistently surprising. Frankly, "Elf" feels miraculous. Also featuring Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Peter Dinklage, and Ed Asner as Santa Claus. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 1988

Studio: Buena Vista

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 92

Summary: High-flying reindeer! Mischievous elves! Warp-speed sleigh rides! Get set for a magical dose of holiday cheer, zany season's greetings, and spell-binding special effects in this fast-paced, heartwarming comedy hit! When Santa Claus decides to retire and pass on his magic bag of Christmas surprises to a new St. Nick, he enlists the aid of a hilarious assortment of characters, including that lovable know-it-all Ernest P. Worrell (Emmy Award-winning comedian Jim Varney)! Along the way, Santa and Ernest help a cynical teen experience the season's spirit like never before. And that's where the fun -- and magic -- begin! ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS ... one delightful, surprising tale you'll never forget!

Theatrical: 1942

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 100

Summary: Lovely Linda Mason has crooner Jim Hardy head over heels, but suave stepper Ted Hanover wants her for his new dance partner after femme fatale Lila Dixon gives him the brush. Jim's supper club, Holiday Inn, is the setting for the chase by Hanover and manager Danny Reed. The music's the thing.

Theatrical: 1947

Studio: Republic Pictures

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 130

Summary: Now perhaps the most beloved American film, "It's a Wonderful Life" was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement. "It's a Wonderful Life" was not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic. "--Robert Horton"

Theatrical: 1951

Studio: Eclipse

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 91

Summary: Bob Hope plays a small-time con artist with a fondness for lemon candy in this film based on a Damon Runyon story. When the Lemon Drop Kid accidentally cheats gangster Moose Moran (Fred Clark) out of his track winnings, the Kid promises to repay Moose the money by Christmas. Creating a fake charity for "Apple Annie" Nellie Thursday, the Kid tricks his gang into donning Santa suits and "collecting dough for old dolls" like Nellie who have nowhere to live. Radio personality Marilyn Maxwell assists as the Kid's girlfriend, while William Frawley and Jay C. Flippen play the lovable, gruff crooks that fall for the Kid's Santa scam.
Hope is great as the fast-talking sharpster, and the comical gangsters are well worth the price of admission. Music by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston (including the classic Christmas song "Silver Bells") makes "The Lemon Drop Kid" that much sweeter. "--Mark Savary"

Theatrical: 1968

Studio: Rankin/Bass Productions

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 25

Summary: Animated film version of the legendary song of a boy who lets out all his frustrations on a drum, little knowing how significant this drum will be in the birth of the newborn Jesus.

Theatrical: 1941

Studio: Digiview

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 122

Summary: A reporter concocts a story of a fiction character and makes him the subject of a column telling of his intensions to commit suicide over the sorry state of mankind.

Theatrical: 1947

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 96

Summary: The original 1947 version of this Valentine Davies story follows the misadventures of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) as he gets a job playing Santa Claus at Macy's department store in New York City. Natalie Wood is the little girl who tells him she doesn't believe in Santa, and Maureen O'Hara and John Payne are the couple who help Kris through a trial in which he must prove he's the jolly fellow from the North Pole. A sweet movie and perennial Christmas favorite, this is one of those movies that gets under your skin and must be revisited every so often. "--Tom Keogh"

Theatrical: 1962

Studio: United Productions of America (UPA)

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 53

Summary: An animated, magical, musical version of Dickens' timeless classic "A Christmas Carol." The nearsighted Mr. Magoo doesn't have a ghost of a chance as Ebenezer Scrooge, unless he learns the true meaning of Christmas from the three spirits who haunt him one Christmas Eve.

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Buena Vista

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 85

Summary: A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and future.

Theatrical: 1964

Studio: Delta

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 81

Summary: Martians, upset that their children have become obsessed with TV shows from Earth which extoll the virtues of Santa Claus, start an expedition to Earth to kidnap the one and only Santa. While on Earth, they kidnap two lively children that lead the group of Martians to the North Pole and Santa. The Martians then take Santa and the two children back to Mars with them. Voldar, a particularly grumpy Martian, attempts to do away with the children and Santa before they get to Mars, but their leader Lomas stops him. When they arrive on Mars, Santa, with the help of the two Earth children and a rather simple-minded Martian lackey, overcomes the Martians by bringing fun, happiness and Christmas cheer to the children of Mars.

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Buena Vista

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 104

Summary: Considering how lame this sequel "could" have been, "The Santa Clause 2" makes for a pleasant holiday diversion. It's got the familiar smell of Disney marketeering, and more than a few parents will object to this further embellishment of the St. Nick legend, but Tim Allen's amiable presence provides ample compensation. As a divorced dad who inherited the jolly man's job in "The Santa Clause", Allen now faces another Yuletide challenge. According to the "Missus Clause" in his North Pole contract, he can't continue to be the real Santa until he gets married. As luck and five credited screenwriters would have it, Allen falls for the Scrooge-y principal (Elizabeth Mitchell) of his son's school, while a phony, power-hungry duplicate Santa wreaks havoc on the North Pole's overworked elves. It's all as sweet as spiced eggnog, with that warmed-over feel of a mandated sequel, but the Christmas spirit does prevail with the sound of sleigh bells and Allen's rosy-cheeked ho, ho, ho! "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1951

Studio: Morningstar Ent.

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 86

Summary: Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge learns the error of his ways through the intervention of the ghost of his former partner and of three spirits in this faithful adaptation of the Dickens classic.

Theatrical: 1988

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 100

Summary: Most critics couldn't get behind Bill Murray's modern retelling of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol", finding it too unfocused at times and not nearly wicked enough. Still, if you're a Murray fan, you have to enjoy his deliciously nasty portrayal of the world's meanest TV executive, who has his cathartic moment one cold Christmas night in New York City. The various ghosts lead him on a ghost-town tour of Manhattan, with stops at holidays past, present, and future and a Kumbaya moment when Al Green and Annie Lennox sing "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." The effects are otherworldly, but one wishes the writing were as sharp as Murray's edgy portrayal. "--Marshall Fine"

Theatrical: 2001

Studio:

Genre: Christmas

Duration: 91

Summary: In the small town of Seacliff, Wash., a child's letter to Santa Claus captures the nation's attention. When the little boy, Chris, writes that he wishes to leave this world so he will no longer be a burden to his divorcing parents, a race begins to find him before he harms himself.