Hai cercato: 御金蔵破り
The Shogun's Vault / 1964
Okawa Hashizo is 'Red Peony' Hanji who is thrown into a prison cell where he gets involved in a plot to steal government gold from the Shogun's vault. A tough fighter, he has to show his ability in order to keep from getting himself killed by the prisoners, too. Co-starring some of the biggest name in movies at the time, including Kataoka Chiezo and Tanba Tetsuro this film is loaded with surprises. From the opening moments when prisoners carry out their own form of justice, killing a crooked ex-constable, it is clear that this is the work of a visionary filmmaker.
Gokinzo Yaburi Ieyasu no Kubi / 1983
This is the third installment in the series that was broadcast on Fuji TV's "Historical Drama Special" in 1983, and the story continues from the end of previous work. Ichibei, who plays Tomisaburo Wakayama, is in a series of pinches, such as being seriously injured to the spear and being caught by the Oniwaban and tortured. The action scene in the snow, which reversely utilizes the fact that it was snowing in Kyoto at the time of shooting, is also very powerful.
Fangs of Darkness: Vengeance / 1982
Wakayama Tomisaburo plays the role of Ichibei. His father is denounced from his clan and murdered, his family is hamed, and Ichibei is no longer a member of the Kurokuwa ninja. Living with his daughter as a peaceful pharmacist by day, Ichibei exerts his vengeance against the powers that be in the dark of night, under the pseudonym "Fangs of Darkness". Unaware of the true identity of the burglar who's bringing disgrace upon the noble houses, the efforts to stop him are being doubled by the day. Will they ever be satisfied? Can they be stopped or will the lords be shamed in the eyes of the Tokugawa Shogun? See how far a father and his daughter can take their quest for vengeance in this action-packed tale of honor!
Fangs of Darkness 2: Ieyasu's Head / 1983
Ichibei teams up with Chief Jindayo of the Goomune (Japan’s gypsies’) in order to steal the shogunate’s solid gold statue of Ieyasu which might bankrupt the central government and complete his revenge against the Tokugawa by toppling them from the seat of power. Meanwhile a mysterious swordsman has entered the area while trying to keep his true identity secret. Will his bloody blade help or hinder Ichibei’s quest for retribution? Will their actions change the course of Japanese history?