Shogun Warrior ** (1991, Shô Kosugi, David Essex, Christopher Lee, Polly Walker, Ronald Pickup, John Rhys-Davies, Kane Kosugi, Norman Lloyd, Dylan Kussman, Miwa Takada, Toshirô Mifune) – Classic Movie Review 13,730

The 1991 film Shogun Warrior [Kabuto] [Journey of Honor] is a robust and enjoyable but rough-hewn action adventure based on actual events in 17th-century Japan. It stars Shô Kosugi, David Essex and Christopher Lee.

Director Gordon Hessler’s 1991 British/ Japanese/ US co-production film Shogun Warrior [Kabuto] [Journey of Honor] is a robust and enjoyable but rough-hewn action adventure based on actual events in 17th-century Japan.

The Shogun sends his trusted samurai warrior Lord Mayeda (Shô Kosugi) and his son Yourimune (Kane Kosugi) on a dangerous journey to Spain to meet the Don Pedro, Duke of Jerez (David Essex), and buy 5.000 muskets from King Philip III (Christopher Lee). But Mayeda becomes infatuated with Pedro’s fiancée Lady Cecilia (Polly Walker).

There are some wobbles in the script by Nelson Gidding, and there’s slightly confused editing and some hesitant direction by Gordon Hessler. But, still, there is plenty of old-style swashbuckling entertainment value in the ambitious, intelligent story and a very decent cast to enjoy.

Nelson Gidding’s screenplay is based on a story by him and the film’s star Shô Kosugi.

Release date: April 27, 1991 (Tokyo).

Cast: Sho Kosugi, David Essex, Christopher Lee, Polly Walker, Ronald Pickup, John Rhys-Davies, Kane Kosugi, Norman Lloyd, Dylan Kussman, Miwa Takada, Toshirô Mifune.

© Derek Winnert 2025 – Classic Movie Review 13,730

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