Reiko Kasahara in Shogun Assassin (1980)

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The choice in Shogun Assassin (1980) is not an easy one. An exiled samurai is left with only his infant son after his wife’s murder, for which he’s been framed. The child must pick either a quick and painless death or a life of constant struggle and danger. The kid picks the latter and a series is born. The lone wolf and cub motif is a deadly combination, and heaven help those who get in their way. The movie is a nonstop action adventure with enough blood, guts, and the occasional boob--thanks to Reiko Kasahara and Kayo Matsuo--to please any swordsman who chooses a more voyeuristic engagement with life.