Kazuo Ikehiro got his start as an assistant working for directors like Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa. He always had a strong preference for working in jidai-geki and says that he only did a number of modern-day yakuza films because of studio demands. Ikehiro developed a gritty, unconventional style that made him an excellent match for Zatoichi and the antihero screen personae of Raizo Ichikawa. Possibly his greatest achievement came with Raizo, when he played an instrumental part in the Nemuri Kyoshiro series. The first three movies had been fairly straightforward chambara adventures, but with 1964's Sword of Seduction, Ikehiro steered the series into the surreal and stylistically outrageous extremes that made the Son of the Black Mass so legendary.
The Trail of Blood
Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword
The Fearless Avenger
Sleepy Eyes of Death 4: Sword of Seduction
Sleepy Eyes of Death 9: Trail of Traps
Shinobi no mono 8: The Three Enemies
Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo
Lone Wolf Isazo
Slaughter in the Snow
The Daring Nun
Sleepy Eyes of Death 12: Castle Menagerie
Lowly Ronin
Young Boss
Sleepy Eyes Of Death 14: Fylfot Swordplay
Cut the Shadow
The Gambler's Code
Detective Ushio VS Case Reporter Saeko at the Terminal Station
BonchiLive My Share, Mother
