The Bounty Hunter Trilogy

Killer’s Mission (1969)

In mid-18th century Japan, the shogunate faced a rebel clan's plot for overthrow with the help of weaponry from Dutch militants. To smash the scheme, it turned to physician, master of disguise, and weapons expert Shikoro Ichibei (Tomisaburo Wakayama). Stylish samurai saga leavened with '60s-prevalent super-spy and spaghetti western motifs, from "The Street Fighter" director Ozawa Shigehiro, also stars Yumiko Nogawa, Bin Amatsu, Chiezo Kataoka, Goro Mutsumi. 90 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

The Fort Of Death (1969)

Tomisaburo Wakayama returned as operative for hire Shikoro Ichibei in this same-year sequel, this time leading a team of other mercenaries to aid an imperiled farming village from the predations of the local feudal lord. Unfortunately, the despot upped the ante by calling in a ruthless pack of ninjas! Grimmer series entry from director Kudo Eiichi also stars Mayama Tomoko, Oki Minoru, Kitamura Eizo, Tokudaiji Shin. 97 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

Eight Men To Kill (1974)

After a half-ton of government gold got waylaid, Edo's economy was poised to collapse within days. Shikoro Ichibei (Tomisaburo Wakayama) was put on the case...but can he winnow through the possible suspects, and deal with greedy speculators also on the hunt, in time? Ozawa Shigehiro returns for Wakayama's final Ichibei opus; Oki Minoru, Amachi Shigeru, Kato Sayoko, Kawamura Maki also star. 88 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR

Widescreen; Soundtracks: Japanese; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; featurettes; image gallery; theatrical trailers. In Japanese with English subtitles.