Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons (1973)

The Worst Film Ever

So much average

An absolute waste of money

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

The fifth film in the Lone Wolf and Cub series takes a decidedly bleak and harsh turn, with Ogami (the formidable Tomisaburo Wakayama in fine form) accepting a thankless assignment in which he must kill a dangerous monk carrying a letter that could bring about the destruction of an entire clan. Moreover, Ogami must confront and defeat five warriors who all contain both payment and information that's vital to Ogami's mission. Director Kenji Misumi relates the complex and compelling story at a steady pace, maintains a tough tone throughout, and stages the exciting swordfights with flair and skill. While this movie does deliver the expected copious amounts of graphic blood-spurting carnage, it's the potent and powerful themes of honor, loyalty, and betrayal which give this picture an extra poignant and provocative edge. Moreover, a nice subplot has Ogami's son Daigoro (adorable Akihiro Tomikawa) being set up by a notorious pickpocket Quick Change Oyo (well played by the fetching Tomomi Sato). The downbeat ending packs a devastating punch. Dark and despairing, this film rates highly as one of the crowning achievements in the whole series.

While this film has some serious weaknesses, it deserves kudos for being the one and only Lone Wolf and Cub film that does NOT include someone being raped or there being an attempted rape! Now this does not mean it's exactly family-friendly, as there are tons of killings, swimming pool's worth of blood-letting and a lot of crazy violence. Just think twice before you let your kids watch this or any of the Lone Wolf an Cub movies.The beginning of this film is highly reminiscent of the plot of Bruce Lee's "The Game of Death". Ogami Itto must defeat one master after another in order to proceed to the next level--the assassination of an evil priest who is actually working for the dreaded Yagyu clan! There is a plot about the substitution of a girl for the male heir to a clan that is related to all this. H stupid in MANY ways. However, the way this is all revealed to Itto is cool...but also pretty stupid if you think about it. It begins with a samurai challenging Itto. Itto naturally kills the guy but instead of just dying instantly like 95% of Itto's victims, he manages to hold on long enough to give an incredibly explanation for the challenge--to determine IF this man was The Lone Wolf and Cub as well as to determine if his skills are up to the task for a new assignment. Then, one at a time, another member of this totally insane clan comes to challenge Itto and each time, the slain man manages to hold on long enough to give more information to Itto as he's dying. The craziest of which involved a guy falling into the fire and giving details as he bleeds to death and roasts alive!! It's neat to watch but makes zero sense. If any one of these men died instantly (like most normally do), then they would not have delivered each detail to him. Does this make any sense at all?!?! Plus, why waste several talented samurai like this?! Why not have the guys just go to Itto and give him the information and commission?! It's neat to watch but pretty dumb. Later, a tough-fighting lady attacks Itto, but she does not want to kill him but talk to him about the assassination the others asked him to perform--and get him to perform three more. However, she is NOT stupid and does not wish to be killed like the other idiots! She is, incidentally, not of the same idiot clan! In between these meetings, there is an odd plot involving Itto's child, Daigoro, and a pickpocket. It's pretty interesting and shows that the little boy is every bit the stoic little nut-case his father is! You just have to see this to know what I mean.Later, Lord Restudo sends his 'shadow Yagyu' to escort the evil priest. Naturally, Itto is hiding nearby--waiting to complete his contract. How he does, however, is something I sure couldn't have anticipated!! This and the subsequent getaway scene is probably the best part of the movie.From here on, it's a matter of Itto delivering the latter he got off his victim. But, when this moment arrives, don't think it's the end...as Itto has to make things right within this clan, as someone is usurping the throne and all must be made right...thanks to a massive blood-letting. The final scene where you learn exactly who the mystery woman was who helped him is a fitting finale.So is the film worth seeing? Well, yes if you like the series. Despite the stupid beginning, the rest of the film is pretty good and exciting. I noticed one reviewer indicated the film was very confusing and didn't make sense--perhaps due to the bad dubbing. Well, I saw a captioned version on DVD from AnimEigo and it was not difficult to understand.

I love the Lone Wolf and Cub series, they are the greatest series of action movies ever made! Tomisaburo Wakayama is my favourite samurai (well, technically ronin) of all time and Daigoro is the greatest "sidekick." I love every one of these movies but this has got to be my favourite for many reasons.The swordplay in this one is amazing and relentless. There is barely a minute without some sort of fight and none are repetitive. There always seems to be a new way to off someone with plenty of blood. The story is particularly in-depth in this one, with an interesting plot about deceit and betrayal within the Kuroda clan. Of particular note is the focus on the relationship between Itto and Daigoro, which in this entry is very unique and moving. The cinematography is as usual stunning, it really showcases Japan's beautiful countryside.Be sure not to miss this entry into this amazing series.5/5

This one seems quite popular among viewers, but I didn't really care for it. "Peril" and "Hades" are by far the best in my opinion. I find it odd that the messengers are able to give Ogami the full extent of their plight just before dying (even when being consumed by fire). One plus is his display at the end of the movie. He's got that sword moving so quick you can hardly see it. Another aspect I found interesting was when Daigoro was beaten to save a pickpocket. He seems to share his father's empathy for the down-and-out. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad movie. But in this great series, I think this one and "White Heaven in Hell" are the weakest.