Lone Wolf and his Cub: Sword of Vengeance

This is the first of 6 overly bloody samurai films from the 70's, and with that bit of information many are probably already disinterested in this movie. However, I'd like to present some views that might alternate your stance on this movie and movies like it.
My first experience with this series entitled "The Lone Wolf and Cub series" was the film "Shogun Assassin". Many have heard me talk about this movie, especially since it was probably the first true exploitation movie I watched. Shogun Assassin had terrible voiceovers, but that couldn't change because Shogun Assassin was meant for the american audience. What I found recently, is that Shogun Assassin is not an original movie, and is simply compiled of footage from the first two "Lone Wolf and Cub" films that forms a slightly new story and pace. After I discovered this I had to see the "originals".
True enough, the first Lone Wolf film was the primary first section of Shogun Assassin, however I was surprised to find that instead of the terrible dialogue that "Shogun" presented, there was actually smart and compelling writing. The story was another big change. The purpose of Shogun Assassin was to kill as many people as possible within the movies running time, the purpose of the first Lone Wolf film to is set up a compelling plot and characters that have depth. Which it does.
Before I explain the plot, I would like to explain that this 6 movie series is a true series of movies that all connect. Unlike (too) many trilogies today that don't bother to relate to each other plot-wise, the lone wolf and cub series actually starts the plot with the first movie, and ends the plot with film 6, which is admirable considering the amount of movie franchises that just grow for money, no the progression of story.
Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance is about an executioner for the royal shogunat who's name is Ogami (the lead man guy person). The empire is in decline, and corrupt leaders are looking for any reason to have clan-leaders executed. Many clan-leaders are falsely accused and sentenced to die at the hand of Ogami. It does not take long before the followers of fallen leaders get rather irate at Ogami for killing their lords under the order of the shogun. A plot is set up to have Ogami and his family slain. Men conspire and frame Ogami for a false crime regarding a planned assassination for his leader. He arrives home to find his wife dying and all his servants slain, his wife's last words are the name of their son, who is still safe with Ogami. Soon, the Shogun's followers arrive, and Ogami soon realizes that they have been bribed to kill him. Along with this, he sees that the men who killed his wife were forced to by these same men, and after the act slain and framed for suicide. Instead of surrendering and offering himself up Ogami takes his son and fights back with the knowledge that his is being wrongfully wronged. And so begins the 6 film series of the Lone Wolf and his Cub, and their search for the clan that has caused them so much grief.
After Ogami leaves with his son for their journey halfway through the film, the plot switches and focuses on a village that is being slowly pillaged by ruthless bandits. Ogami saves the day, credits roll.
This isn't a spectacular movie, and it does still retain some rather "cheesy" 70's gimmicks. Amidst all this though, I was happy to find that this movie also holds a compelling and rich plot, especially for a revenge film.