About Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?

Released in 1974, "Hanzo the Razor: Who’s Got the Gold?" is the third and final film in the Hanzo the Razor film series. It tells the story of Hanzo Itami, played by Shintaro Katsu, who is not only an incorruptible policeman, but also a master swordsman and a self-appointed defender of the innocent. In this installment, Hanzo clashes with a dangerous band of thieves who target the gold from Japan's Tokugawa shogunate.

Making / Production

This film was directed by Yoshio Inoue and written by Kazuo Koike and Takeshi Kanda. Together, they successfully concluded the unique Hanzo the Razor trilogy and added a unique blend of humor and action to the chanbara (samurai cinema) genre.

Main Actors

• Shintaro Katsu as Hanzo Itami: A samurai policeman with unique interrogation methods. Katsu brought a strong physical presence and depth to the role.
• Mako Midori as Omino: Omino is a key character who assists Hanzo in his pursuit of justice. Midori played her role effectively, giving the character a strong will and magnetism.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film is based on the manga series "Goyōkiba" by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima. The manga also spawned the famed "Lone Wolf And Cub" series.
• Shintaro Katsu is also known for his iconic role as the blind swordsman "Zatoichi" in the long-running film and television series.

Quotes

• "All right now, it's time to spill your guts and tell me where the gold is now!" - Hanzo Itami.
• "You’re a stubborn man, Hanzo Itami, but that’s what makes you appealing." - Omino.

Music, Soundtrack

• The energetic and tension-filled score of the film was composed by Kunihiko Murai. Murai's music was well regarded for adding an extra layer of intensity and suspense to the movie.