Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice
Dir: Kenji Misumi
1972
***
Chambara films have long been enjoyed by fans of Exploitation movies and here is where both worlds collide. Kenji Misumi's 1972 Hanzo the Razor is more Sexploitation than common Exploitation though, the 'Sword of justice' being a rather large phallus. Hanzo, an incorruptible officer of the law, uses his, ahem, 'Long Arm of the Law' when interrogating female suspects. It's very bad taste when you think about it but somehow Shintarô Katsu gets away with it (the women end up enjoying it, not that it makes the message any better) as many did back in the 1970's. It's very much of its time and film doesn't get any more 'cult' than this. I liked it but it's crazy as hell, it is essentially Zatoichi with his sight renewed and his libido (and Penis) extended.