The distinctive hats worn by the Gods of Death, are a traditional Japanese straw hat often associated with ronin. The style of hat is known as roningasa. 'Ronin' meaning masterless and wandering samurai, and 'gasa' meaning hat.
The Hidari Brothers, also known as the Gods of Death first appeared in 'Lone Wolf & Cub' issue 15 'The Flute & the Fallen Tiger'. In the comic they were also known as Bentenrai, or The Bentenrai Brothers. This name consisted of the first Chinese character of each of their names: Benma, Tenma & Kuruma. It was also significant as Benten is the Goddess of Good Fortune.
This film is part of the jidai-geki genre. Translated this means 'period drama', and such films are usually set during the Edo Period of Japanese history.
The Gods of Death all wield distinct weaponry. One wears a pair of iron kote (gauntlets), one wields a kanabo (studded metal club), while the leader wears a tekko-kagi (hand claw).
This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #841.