Lone Wolf and Cub | Silence and Violence

[@Rossatron]

Hey guys, my first edit of this was blocked. Can everybody now see it? Sadly I had to re-edit this so some of my more nuanced points about silence (which utilised long takes without narration) had to be removed. The commentary is still there but the gaps between my narration are shorter. Sadly nothing I can do about this!

[@iv0rysh0es39]

Rossatron all good on my end!

[@sechay9328]

I'm just glad you turned it around so fast! I clicked on your video but didn't watch immediately and it was claimed by the time I went to that tab. Both you and those copyright vultures work very fast.

[@1bottlejackdaniels]

@Rossatron ...i watch your video in good quality ...Toho Ltd. can't bring down the Ross!

[@johnmccarron7066]

Just got it! I can't believe how quickly the first one was blocked.

[@ZenDragonYoutubeChannel]

Works for me. As a KZbinr, the algorithms failure to acknowledge fair use mixed with it’s ability to pick up copyrighted material, is utterly frustrating. Good video still. :)

[@joebagodonuts5468]

"come one come all, I'll build a mountain of corpses" Is one of the coolest lines ever uttered.

[@barryhercules6486]

The characters in this movie don't talk much, but when they do they drop some bad ass lyrics

[@OklamaJr]

@@barryhercules6486 on god they would make some great rapper (Wu Tang clan)😉

[@CoinOpTV]

Been rewatching these on HBO Max - classic stuff!

[@rtristan82]

Yup me too didn't know they were on there lol.

[@Dominickudo]

Yeah I watched all of them on HBO Max I don’t think the last ones on there though.

[@jer2dabear]

HBO max has a lot of great classics.

[@JnEricsonx]

Now if they could put the Zatoichi films on there too.....

[@rickschrager]

When I was a teen I couldn't wait to get to the theatre (in little Tokyo) to see all of the Lone Wolf and Cub movies (Japanese versions). I've recently watched them again and still find them to be magnificent films. I haven't seen Shogun Assassin made of bits and pieces of the '70s series. None of the streaming services seem to have it. Perhaps someday they will. If you want to talk about a lasting impression I practice Iai (Japanese swordsman ship) daily. It's a great form of exercise for an old guy like me.

[@ashtonturner2862]

When I was little, my father was famous. He was the greatest Samurai in the empire, and he was the Shogun's decapitator. He cut off the heads of 131 lords for the Shogun. It was a bad time for the empire. The Shogun just stayed inside his castle and he never came out. People said his brain was infected by devils, and that he was rotting with evil. The Shogun said the people were not loyal. He said he had a lot of enemies, but he killed more people than that. It was a bad time. Everybody living in fear, but still we were happy. My father would come home to mother, and when he had seen her, he would forget about the killings. He wasn't scared of the Shogun, but the Shogun was scared of him. Maybe that was the problem. At night, mother would sing for us, while father would go into his temple and pray for peace. He'd pray for things to get better. Then, one night the Shogun sent his ninja spies to our house. They were supposed to kill my father, but they didn't. That was the night everything changed, forever.

[@shenglongisback4688]

Wether emcee came to live out their names and too perform some snort cocaine too act insane..

[@shoujahatsumetsu]

The Tokugawa Shogunate took an iron-fisted approach in controlling the daimyo lords with their han domains within Japan. Any sign of disagreement could cost a lord his title and his family land. In this reign of terror, three separate agencies were created. First, a network of ninja spies called Oniwaban, or Garden Wardens, was tasked to seek out reasons to abolish the han domains. Second, Shikaku, or Assassins, were charged with killing domain officials who might obstruct the Shogunate's political will. Third, to assist condemned daimyo lords perform the seppuku self-execution, the Kaishakunin, the Executioner, was tasked to be their second - their final - decapitator. The spy network was operated by the Kurokuwa clan. The assassinations were performed by the Yagyu clan. And... Itto Ogami was the Shogunate's Official Kaishakunin Executioner, privileged to wear robes bearing the Hollyhock Crest of the Tokugawa clan.

[@Set2Wumbo]

When the MCs came to live out the name and to perform Some had to snort cocaine to act insane

[@RJ-Ramen]

These films are beautiful. You gotta do a Zatoichi examination too!

[@MrKahlerHahn]

haha as fun as the zatoichi series is... it's a b*tch to get through with its 25(?) entries.

[@aceotmapp7161]

@@MrKahlerHahn I enjoyed the fact that the quality of the 25 was so high. never felt like a chore in the slightest

[@kinnykiran]

And Rurouni Kenshin

[@J.Panxer]

1-4 are cannon, imo...the rest of the series is for sho.

[@MrKahlerHahn]

@@aceotmapp7161 yeah they are all at least good to really awesome. but still... they are just so many

[@gtfourziggy2]

Excellent review... an honorable mention would be the scene where Daigoro(Cub) keeps his mouth shut like a soldier and takes a beating for the lady pick pocket... this very act of bravery from a kid that doesn't even speak, or cry, makes her repent and give up her thieving ways.

[@cptjusticegmail]

When a friend and I were first introduced to these movies, watching that scene he said, "I don't want kids, but I'd take that kid."

[@sechay9328]

Seriously, how do you have only 100k? You are easily one of the best film tubers.

[@PresidentialWinner]

The Best* Superb, sublime.

[@SamuraiGoth]

This is one of my favorite movie series of all time! Even including Shogun Assassin.

[@TafTabTah]

Thank you Rossatron for introducing me to Lone wolf and Cub! My roomate and I sat through the entire series and we both loved them all!

[@purplehaze2358]

Silence and violence, two words that have NO right sounding as good together as they do.

[@AnonEMus-cp2mn]

Contrast of two opposite aspects tends to emphasize both of them. It takes skill to articulate both in a meaningful way.

[@simba4599]

@Dr Bright thoughts of Violence fulfilled in Silence, the still of the night disturbed by sirens.

[@morrismarlboroni1009]

I've always been asking myself, why so few people talk about these films. They are great!

[@nickcollura3050]

The comics are undoubtedly much better. If you can get ahold of them, id recommend them over any other graphic novel.

[@Shadowdash66X]

I CANNOT believe you just posted this. Goddamn. Every video you upload is a masterpiece. I just finished rewatching an episode of Samurai Jack where he finds his old home. And indeed there is a lone wolf and cub reference outright! Was looking this up last night and you just uploaded this video Wow

[@Kamn_exe]

That decap after using Daigoro's sun reflector is still a lol classic

[@evenberg8499]

I borrowed all of these films (VHS) from my neighbor in the year 2000. These series interested me so much, that I started to take notes of character names, actor names, I draw pictures, and generally were completely obsessed with this.

[@lonniefarrare6083]

I found this series back in the early 90's on imported VHS., a special series.

[@mrmojok]

Thanks so much for doing this! As an American I was first exposed to this seeing Shogun Assassin on Cinemax in about 1985 or so, then later I started buying the original films on VHS from a company called Animeigo, and finally today I have them all on Blu-Ray. I usually end up watching all of these in order about once a year. It is one of my very favorite film series of all time. Very striking use of scenery, color, and as you point out, often silence.

[@JoseMedina-oc2nd]

Same had the vhs now the dvds and I think its time to do the Blu rays!!

[@braviafeed]

Outstanding analysis of the series. Both the Manga and the 6 film series are absolute masterpieces in their respective mediums! My highest recommendation for both.

[@chrislim1483]

Agree! It's a manga series I grew up fondly reading with my dad and even got a Japanese style tattoo of a wolf and cub in memory of my father.

[@braviafeed]

@@chrislim1483 That tattoo sounds awesome Chris! Nice tribute to your dad!

[@nickcollura3050]

Man, it's so sad that lone wolf and cub doesn't get the attention it deserves.

[@Jama-gh4cx]

Its also sad they never showed daigoro grown

[@Del_116]

This has been one of my favorite films if not my favorite movie all time . I love it so much .

[@MrRourk]

I watched the first 2 episodes of the new Lone Wolf and Cub I mean Mandalorian

[@morgancasey]

5:53 I am in complete awe with how well thought out your edits are. Every video of yours honestly gives me so many new ideas when it comes to editing.

[@Rossatron]

I like to add a bit of icing to the cake

[@kingghidorah1212]

Greatest comic to film adaptation ever made.

[@thekrakenexperiment280]

Lone Wolf and Cub sounds like it would be the name of the sub-genre that Last of Us, God of War, and Logan would be in.

[@Rossatron]

I would play the shit out of a Lone Wolf and Cub game. Hopefully Ghost of Tsushima will scratch that itch, and Sekiro when I finally get round to playing it

[@JnEricsonx]

@@Rossatron I would only play that game in Japanese. Have fun finding someone who could make me think it was Wakayama talking though.

[@Grandmastergav86]

Don't tarnish it by comparing it to that rubbish 😂 Especially TLOU 🤢🤢🤢

[@Screwtape6_27]

@@Grandmastergav86 tlou is great

[@h4724-q6j]

I like how the DVD version is exactly one penny cheaper than the Blu-ray

[@dovel1000]

Once again you give us the video essay we need if not the one we deserve. Wonderful work as always R.

[@Grandmastergav86]

Excellent series. I also highly recommend you check out the original Zatoichi films, they are sublime. Wakayama Tomisaburo (Lone Wolf) and Shintaro Katsu (Zatoichi) were brothers IRL.

[@ezra7692]

Dude. I'm so glad I ran into this channel. You've opened me up to a lot of great content I was previously unaware of. Many channels on youtube have been caught up in this super-hero movie craze and that stuff is really stale. I love your content and keep up with the good work.

[@iv0rysh0es39]

One of my favourite box set collections!

[@jemiahdapap8053]

The Big LeBoschski Six films or five?

[@80sbabyryan]

Just finished the series. Absolutely amazing. Hard to put into words how much i enjoyed these movies. Makes me wonder what else is out there to be discovered.

[@bilalsalaam9625]

My dad showed me shogun assassin when i was a young boy, i feel instantly in love it alongside Arnold's Conan the barbarian. Years later I found about the lone wolf and cub film series as well as the magna collection. Great video Ross, keep up the good work sir.

[@hugoarcada]

Good dad. Good parenting.

[@MrKahlerHahn]

such a wonderful series. Stumbled upon it when I was in the middle of my "discovering asian cinema phase" and these are soooo good. And I'd disagree with you... Sword of vengeance is an absolute classic at least to me

[@Zaky-Tocapelotas]

Fantastic post ! Seen all of them many times over. You hit it on the head why these films are so good. The sword fighting scenes are breathtaking! Tomisaburo Wakayama's skill with a sword is unrivalled! Legend !

[@JnEricsonx]

And to think, I didn't know I was watching a LEGEND as a kid when I first saw Black Rain. Even crazier, Shintaro Katsu was originally going to play the veteran cop instead of Ken Takakura. So you'd have had Itto and Ichi in one movie. Which happened in one of the Ichi movies.

[@nps1016]

Wonderful presentation. I love Shogun Assassin and the Lone Wolf and Cub movies, they are beautifully made. I haven’t seen them in a long time, I might have to look for these again.

[@thehowls4918]

I have to admit that you're right about the brutality of the films. I enjoy them a great deal when I'm looking for some good action but no kids allowed. The silence, in my opinion, adds more focus to what is happening. Less distraction for the ear. And there are some beautiful locations to admire.

[@VomitPinata]

The soundtrack for Shogun Assassin is NOT cheesy and it's NOT 80s. It's fucking majestic and it is performed by the amazingly dope German 70s prog band CAN. They survived into the 80s and beyond, but the music used in the film is 70s era. The American producers thought they could just steal CANs music and use it without permission. And I guess they were right. And the world is a better place for it.

[@munkholt]

I own and love the full manga series and always thought of the movies as a bit of a joke, and hence never saw them. Thank you for this perspective! I am glad to realise that they have something to offer.

[@thedarkknight727]

The Mandalorian brought me here.

[@lucasmoreirasantos8377]

Why, exacly?

[@thedarkknight727]

@Lucas Moreira Santos: Because I've heard that the Mandalorian barrow elements from this.

[@lucasmoreirasantos8377]

@@thedarkknight727 Right. Cool to know. I can see why now.

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Yeah me too. Glad it did.

[@abdulkarim5176]

Lone Mandalorian and Child, great sci-fi remake

[@Krattquaman]

I remember seeing Lone Wolf and Cub ("Der Wolf mit dem Kind" if I remember correctly) sporadically in the early 2000s on german late night TV. I never watched all of it but I always remembered "the Samurai with the baby carriage" (at least that's what I called it back then and tbh it isn't such a bad title). I still haven't seen all of it but your video has convinced me into going at it once again. I think the moments of silence are what makes it stand out nowadays.

[@Spike294]

"alone, they're not classics" yes they are!

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

I just finished reading the manga, haven't watch the movie. All I can says is WOW. A timeless masterpiece.

[@miiityann]

漫画の中で『雨の日に』が一番好きです。読まれました？ 映画にもTVドラマにも映像化はしていません。暖かくて哀しい物語。映像化して欲しかったです。

[@alejandromolina7270]

It's funny to point out that that scene in Sanjuro was a mistake. The special effects guy didn't know he had the pressure so high and, Kurosawa being a perfectionist, was afraid Kurosawa was going to yell and belittle him. Instead Kurosawa loved it so much he didn't changed it all.

[@stilllearning9590]

I am a big comic fan and I remember buying the manga series way before they were translated based on Frank Miller talking about the series and how it influenced his Daredevil stories, the true origin of the Hand. But almost two decades earlier I was living in San Francisco and saw Sword of Vengeance at the Japanese Cultural Center. Later saw Lightning Swords of Death in American theatres. I didn't put the manga with the films until I got them on dvd. Have the Criterion blu ray collection and they're amazing. All the stunts and sword technique are done old school, no CGI. The main star was an Iaido master which is why the sword choreography is so impressive. Haven't seen the Mandalorian but can imagine the connection.

[@GiantMovieNerdtm]

It’s because of you that I bought the criterion set on Blu Ray, I’m loving it so far

[@LondraCalibro9]

Truly excellent - thank you for the great video

[@OVERLORDMCJ]

BRAVO! A FITTING TRIBUTE TO MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE SERIES AND WHAT GOT ME INTO JEDIGEKI FILMS.

[@JnEricsonx]

I got to see all 6 of these in glorious quality at a Alamo Drafthouse last year. It was fucking incredible. RIP Kazuo Koike.

[@timephire]

MORE VIDEOS PLEASE!!! Also, great work. I always look forward to your content.

[@Rossatron]

I'm trying! Usually about a 2 week turnaround at the moment, I am a full time freelance editor in addition to doing this so that's usually about as fast as I can do it. Until I can get paid to do this full time!

[@timephire]

@@Rossatron I understand. You have excellent content and I would love to have more of it. Keep up the great work you're doing.

[@fingerthatsmells]

Great video, especially the creative transitions.

[@haddonfieldradio666]

God this is so brilliantly edited and written!! Another excellent video

[@fungus_am0nguz644]

I dont want to sound like "that guy" but in this case I guess I will, the movies are fine but the manga is an incredible piece of work, this is a manga of the early 70s and it looks amazing, what artist Goseki Kojima did was truly phenomenal in portraying the nature scenery and violence (it is a very violent read), the first half is a bit repetitive but that last act uffffff and that ending is sooo epic, probably one of the most epic in any medium. Anyways great video as always Rossatron, I cant believe this dude doesnt have a 1m subs, great quality content.

[@stonem83]

A master work piece. I salute you, a thorough analysis

[@CountOrlok22]

I love these films. I wish there had been an anime that adapted the entire original run of the manga. The story actually comes to a conclusion, whereas in the films it doesn't, and it captures the Japanese Buddhist notion of transience and all life having its time.

[@spankosaurus]

glad to see someone say this, the mangas are incredible with the way they describe buddhism, it heavily affected me and my beliefs. would be such an amazing anime

[@VideoHomicide]

Great video! I have seen SHOGUN ASSASSIN, and read the first Lone Wolf & Cub Omnibus from Dark Horse, I bought the Criterion set and cannot wait to dive in!!

[@donalduhdollandawger]

excellent review, mate. this is what i was looking for. thank you very much.

[@justinland5713]

I'd love to see a video on Ryuhei Kitamura. There don't seem to be any in depth analysis videos about his films.

[@NEWmr180787]

He's very underrated.

[@taoisimdrunkard]

Gza is pronounced with a soft g like in genius, hence gza the genius, not a hard g as in gizzard.

[@Rossatron]

There's always something, thanks for the note.

[@taoisimdrunkard]

@@Rossatron np. Great video.

[@sechay9328]

Gizzard, as in Lizard Wizard

[@aotphixion]

this threw me off too lolol great video as always rossatron!

[@johnsergeant4206]

How do you guys all know that, but not notice that Daigoro is pronounced Die-gore-O? And to the author of the video, screw the pronunciation. You did a hell of a job. Lone Wolf and Cub is one of my favorites, and you did email solid man.

[@mbeenz]

ManyThanx From So Cal Brilliant Video!

[@andrewvasquez1960]

This was a spectacular review and I will be definitely checking out this films, you know your action and I've learned of films not even I have heard of since watching your channel

[@normanmacfarlane3049]

Stanley Kubrick used silence brilliantly in 2001: A Space Odyssey. At times just using breath in the soundtrack.

[@kadijinpouguanmei5157]

the best of the best of early manga I've come across, I haven't watch the series though

[@KurticeYZreacts]

ty for the clarifications of these films, never heard of them and visually they look stunning!

[@jessesins5011]

Love it! This is like a real fighting and not like Hollywood.

[@Calypso694]

Been watching these films throughout 2022. They are amazing. I think with age, the cheese ball silliness sometimes if them break up the more serious bits and disturbing parts to make them more digestible and more easily watched. Samurai Jack is a great homage to this franchise.

[@ApolosaCakau]

This is a great video essay describing this amazing film 😊😊😊

[@martinphillips9241]

I saw shogun assassin when i was younger ,then found the manga at a comic shop i got the whole set.then got the lone wolf and cub movies enjoyed them immensely. While watching the mandalorian i said it reminds me of lone wolf and cub

[@HazzR8]

Excellent overview of the series. I am a huge fan of the Manga but was on the fence about these movies. Your breakdown convinced me to try out the Criterion collection.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Gza is pronounced like this Jizz-A. I love Shogun Assassin, the horrible over dub just adds it. Probably my favorite Samurai Movie ever. This same Criterion set is over $100 USD on the US Amazon but the UK Amazon version of the exact same set is only $55 USD 🤔 Guess I'm ordering the UK version

[@MrHarleythedevil]

Absolutely love Shogun Assassin

[@jinpayne]

The Barnes and Noble Sale isn’t over yet, there’s still a day left

[@claude4617]

I got mine u.s blu ray used for $55 luckily it's still in good condition for a used collection.

[@mumdangerous]

Shogun Assassin is such a classic and way ahead of it's time. Rossatron calls the soundtrack 'cheesy' but it's amazing.

[@3coldcapricorn227]

Wonderful wonderful stuff

[@dantecrottogini529]

This video made me want to check this films out

[@HB-ph3ig]

Absolute perfect review! You got all the key points and gave the movies the repuatation they deserve. Okami/LW&C is poetry written with a splash of blood. My absolute favourite alongside Conan and Boorman's Excalibur.

[@chickencharlie1992]

Gotta watch again

[@TallicaMan1986]

Gizza-Liquid Swords. hahaha, loved this video essay.

[@socialcloseness8774]

This is an amazingly great series of films. The story about the woman with the tattoo is particularly tragic. I will not leave a spoiler because that would be rotten. However, I thought the last two films were a little over the top until that very last scene, and I mean the last 30 seconds of the 6th film---it says everything. Excellent conclusion. I'd love to talk about it with someone, but no one I know has seen this series, outside of my wife. She appreciated Akira Kurosawa's influence to the films, but she also thought the violence gets a little campy in the last couple episodes. The first two parts are amazing though, and as I said, the final 30 seconds of part 6 is critical to understanding the depth of the hero's redemption or damnation. --- I said I wouldn't spoil. :D

[@phattsamurai4929]

Great video. Among my favorite all time movies and books.

[@robertg100]

I heard that The Mandalorian borrows a lot from this series! Def wanna check these out!

[@Dustin_N]

Epic man. Love the lone wolf n cub movies. It always cracked me up that Tomisaburo Wakayama was in the bad news bears go to japan

[@pmuean]

YOU HAD ME AT THE ARMY OF SKIING SAMURAI ! WHERE CAN I WATCH THIS !!

[@oliverrees9397]

Absolutely love your content 😍 big fan mate

[@rodolfoboimarinho6504]

A masterpiece.

[@rsvsbg1608]

Protecting a woman more unwilling the willingly he asks her to hide in a cave, and when she signals fear for him he calms her by saying: "only the wolf can kill a wolf, and I see no other wolves here", then walks out into the snowy surroundings to defeat a bunch of wonna-be swordsmen...

[@reprogrammingmind]

Well written and edited!

[@chrisheimva4857]

I've seen Shogun Assassin but have yet to sit down and view the complete LWAC saga. I really want to though, especially after seeing plenty of the clips. The films look really well-made and color cinematography is just gorgeous to look at. One movie that comes to mind when it comes to effective use of silence is Das Boot were you really hang by every sound and creak just like the crew. What would you say are your favorite Samurai flicks?

[@Rossatron]

Three Outlaw Samurai, Seven Samurai, Harakiri track highest for me I reckon

[@bluebyyoublue839]

Loved these movies.

[@NStuffGuitars]

I never got to see Shogun assassin thank you for doing this video.

[@theballadofkobirae7431]

Finally a video on one of my favorite anime

[@davidgottlieb531]

Great insight and analysis of this awesome series.

[@wasteoftime5848]

Interesting take on sound design. I have recently been watching conversations on how the sound and confusion of battles in movies is toned down to make it more palatable. More interesting, personally, is how squads of troops in large military units, even just a platoon, are divided with so many specializations with specific tasks and methods of movement on a battlefield. Shooting such a scene with multiple squads coordinating in battle with differing load outs and functions hasn't happened and is probably considered unfilmable/too complex but it would be wonderful to see.

[@JohnJohnson-ic8cc]

and then he turned himself into a samurai, it was the funniest shit i ever saw

[@srico7313]

Good on Tarantino for trying to pay homage but he was not the man to bring back this rare lost violent art of cinema but he at least tried.

[@MarkParq]

Great vid. It makes me want to go back and watch all of these.

[@RiceShogun]

I was recommended to watch these films back in 2019 from a distant relative, but I didn't really look into it until I saw this video. It took me awhile but I finally gotten my hands on the Criterion Collection and just finished the sixth movie today. Easily one of the best Samurai films out there; I can see why it inspired so many films, games and directors.

[@sweet1j]

A cinematic masterpiece.

[@markusmilla6968]

Amazing series ❤️💪🏾💣💣🇯🇵🔪🈴❤️

[@jules2581]

One of the best things I’ve ever read.

[@Denver_Risley]

Shintaro Katsu's (Zatoichi the blind swordsman) brother. Also appears in a Zatoichi movie, The Chest of Gold I believe, as the whip wielding scarfaced villain. Lone Wolf & Cub and Zatoichi are must haves!

[@felixhaggblom7562]

He shows up even before that! In the second movie he plays Ichi's long lost brother, who lost his arm because of him. Details are hazy, been a few years since I last watched it.

[@tokendave80]

I just watched these movies two months ago. Man it was a lot of fun. Now I want the manga.

[@Milano265]

the only thing that I still do not understand, and that I can not understand, why Itto, with a high sense of justice and awareness, in the first series kills a little girl

[@mheiseus]

He was the shoguns executioner, he didn’t like doing it either.

[@nickcollura3050]

He always had a hatred for the shogun, possibly that's why?

[@thrwwyaccnt123]

Havent watched the movies, but an exceptionally great manga series.

[@maxbrandt6]

I'm currently reading the manga from Dark Horse, I love it but man, is it bloody but pretty action packed! The Lone Wolf is serious as a heart attack, any who cross him don't live long. Interesting to note, Lone Wolf and Cub made a brief appearance in the Samurai Jack cartoon and it was Ogami Itto's skill that inspired a young Samurai Jack!