Kozure Ôkami: Meifumadô

Plot synopsis:
Ogami Ittō, formidable warrior and a master of the suiō-ryū swordsmanship, serves as the Kogi Kaishakunin (the Shōgun's executioner), a position of high power in the Tokugawa shogunate. Along with the oniwaban and the assassins, Ogami Ittō is responsible for enforcing the will of the Shogun over the daimyōs (lesser domain lords). For those samurai and lords ordered to commit seppuku, the Kogi Kaishakunin assists their deaths by decapitating them to relieve the agony of disembowelment; in this role, he is entitled and empowered to wear the crest of the Shogunate, in effect acting in place of the Shogun.
After Ogami Ittō's wife Azami gives birth to their son, Daigorō, Ogami Ittō returns to find her and all of their household brutally murdered, with only the newborn Daigorō surviving. The supposed culprits are three former retainers of an abolished clan, avenging the execution of their lord by Ogami Ittō. However, the entire matter was planned by Ura-Yagyū (Shadow Yagyu) Yagyū Retsudō, leader of the Ura-Yagyū clan, in order to seize Ogami's post as part of a masterplan to control the three key positions of power: the spy system, the official assassins and the Shogunate Decapitator. During the initial incursion, an ihai (funeral tablet) with the shogun's crest on it was placed inside the Ogami family shrine, signifying a supposed wish for the shogun's death. When the tablet is "discovered" during the murder investigation, its presence condemns Ittō as a traitor and thus he is forced to forfeit his post.
The one-year-old Daigorō is given a choice by his father: a ball or a sword. If Daigorō chose the ball, his father would kill him, sending Daigorō to be with his mother; however, the child crawls toward the sword and reaches for its hilt. This assigns him the path of a rōnin, wandering the country with his father as "demons"—the assassin-for-hire team that becomes known as Lone Wolf and Cub, vowing to destroy the Yagyū clan to avenge Azami's death and Ittō's disgrace.
On meifumadō ("The Road to Hell"), the cursed journey for vengeance, Ogami Ittō and Daigorō experience numerous adventures, encountering (and slaying) all of Yagyū Retsudō's children and the entire Kurokuwa ninja clan, and eventually facing Retsudō himself. The last duel between Ogami Ittō and Yagyū Retsudō runs 178 pages—one of the longest single fight-scenes ever published in comics.
Toward the end of their journeys, Ogami Ittō's dōtanuki sword is surreptitiously damaged by a supposed sword-polisher who is really an elite "Grass" ninja of the Yagyū clan. When attacked by the last of the (kusa) Grass ninja, the sword breaks due to Yagyū tampering, and Ittō receives wounds that are ultimately fatal. Deadlocked in mid-battle with Retsudō, Ittō's spirit leaves his body after a lifetime of fatigue and bloodshed, unable to destroy his longtime enemy and ending his path of meifumadō.
The story finishes with Daigorō taking up Retsudō's spear and charging in fury. Retsudō opens his arms, disregarding all defense, and allows Daigorō to drive the spear into his body. Embracing Daigorō with tears, Yagyū Retsudō names him "grandson of my heart", closing the cycle of vengeance and hatred between the clans and concluding the epic.

Tags: good versus evil, violence

Review:
Master film-maker Kenji Misumi returns in the Lone Wolf and Cub series to helm the fifth entry, Baby Cart in the Land of the Demons, and if you thought even just for a fleeting second that this would be anything but orgasmically violent and existentially mystifying, you just don't have enough confidence on the man.Picking up the story of the Shogun's former executioner Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro, this is another tale of betrayal, political intrigue and murder.
The Kuroda Clan is in deep trouble, trouble that Ogami Itto's fierce opponents, the Yagyu, want to exploit for their own benefit.
Ogami Itto is paid his usual fee (500 gold pieces of course) and bloodshed ensues.Now as a chambara and LWAC fundamendalist, I will confess upfront that the combination of stylized comic-book violence and the existential, quasi-mythic look at both historical Japan and the genre conventions that form chambara, are a sure win in my book.
It might not be as groundbreaking as the first two entries in the series, it is after all following a now well-tested tradition, but it is done with such conviction and deliberation that one has to pay notice.
As with other serialized characters of the chambara universe like Zatoichi or Nemuri Kiyoshiro, it is exactly that it simultaneously meets our expectations as a pure Lone Wolf movie that doesn't disappoint the way Hollywood sequels do and that it breaks the traditional forms of the period drama that make even a fifth entry of this tried and tested recipe so good.The plot is of secondary value to the actual journey of Itto and his son.
What pushes them through piles of dead bodies is revenge, and I say "them" because Daigoro has made his commitment to follow the same path of blood as his father, their fates inextricably linked through life and death; yet as with other Lone Wolf movies revenge is but a vague part of the storyline.
In Lone Wolf and Cub's case their journey is an existential fable bathed in blood, like they are doomed to cut their way through the land for all time and it is through the act of killing that their existence takes meaning.
It takes one look at Ogami Itto's grim stare to realize that if there is a god and he would dare to appear in front of him, Itto would swiftly cut him down and move on his path.
It's a staple of the Lone Wolf movies and I wouldn't have it any other way.
And then there is Tomisaburo Wakayama, the man, the myth, crafting the most mesmerizing character role of his career.Strongly recommended as are all the other Lone Wolf movies.
Great action combined with impressive storytelling, best of the series.
Even though all the festival-scenes are a sub-plot that adds little to nothing to the story, I find this an excellent film.
The idea and the enactment of the five Samurai, each giving Ogami a part of his mission as their dying words, exemplifies the value of loyalty and truth above all.
In all the Lone Wolf films honor is considered the highest value, and there is a continuous presence of morality throughout the series.
In this film I was touched by the incredible loyalty of all the Samurais of the Kuroda clan.
In fact they care so much for their clan that they hire Ogami to kill their own, perverted masters, because their actions bring dishonor and great danger to the clan.Story-wise certainly the most elaborate of the Lone Wolf films, I found this one to be the best..
Much more deliberate and pensive, Baby Cart in the Land of Demons spends an unusual amount of time in one place, toying with a more nuanced (at times even confusing) story, while also fleshing out an important supporting character.
Young Daigoro, stone-faced son of the wandering master at the center of this great storm, finally gets his close-up and proves to be every bit as determined, soft-spoken and unflappable as his father.
His actions at the film's climax once more cast the character in dark grey fabric, a recurring theme for the series, and prove that (where duty is concerned) he hasn't changed all that much from the very first time we met.
Entry 5/6 in tough samurai series.
The indefatigable Itto Ogami continues his journey through feudal Japan with his son in tow.
BABY CART IN THE LAND OF DEMONS is the fifth in the six-film series and for the first time, the film shows signs of flagging.
It's not that I didn't enjoy this movie, because I did; rather, I started to find the plot shenanigans to be ever-so-slightly familiar, if not a little tired.
Much of what goes on in the film has been seen before, and although the action sequences are as vivid as ever, there's little here that hasn't been done previously (and better).As per usual, Ogami finds himself caught up in plotting between various factions and must form political allegiances to see him through.
The opening of the film sees him tackling a series of martial arts masters, all of whom test him unawares to make sure he's worthy of the job.
The plot then takes a lengthy and slightly pointless detour to a market village where Daigoro is accused of helping a pickpocket conduct her business.
Although this sequence has been incorporated to allow greater characterisation of Ogami's son, I found it dragged the pacing down to crawling speed.Thankfully, things pick up for a relatively exciting climax which sees Ogami finishing off his job.
There's still a great deal of entertainment value from watching the various characters occupying different positions in Japanese society at this time and how they react to our hero.
The cast give understated performances and the action is typically well shot, but I'm actually looking forward to the end of this series now: better to end on a high than dragging it into the ground..
I've seen most of the other Lone Wolf and Cub movies.
The acting is great; however, this movie drove home an important point about film-making: If the plot is incomprehensible, the movie is lost on the viewer.Why did he listen to those he listened to and kill those he killed?
He was supposed to be saving a particular clan, but ended up pretty much wiping it out.
In the end, people kill themselves with no explanation and Lone Wolf walks away with his cub...Part of the problem with my understanding might have been that this movie, unless the others that I own, was dubbed.
The fifth and probably the best entry into the Lone Wolf and Cub series.
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.
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.
Part 5 Of The Excellent BABY CART Series.
This is part 5 of the legendary BABY CART series, which deals with ronin assassin Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro.
They are on a mission to destroy the Yagyu clan for their betrayal, and to avenge the death of Itto's wife.More beautiful battles and swordplay - this one primarily centering around 5 warriors that Itto must battle in throughout the film to earn his bounty and the clues that he needs to take on his next "hit" - to kill a crazy clan leader before the clan falls apart.Full of beautiful cinematography, great action and swordplay, excellent acting, and the strange yet touching relation ship between Itto and Daigoro - the BABY CART series is not to be missed for those that enjoy martial arts films.
Don't they know not to mess with Ogami Itto by now?.
I was interested in seeing how director Kenji Misumi would pick up the series again.
He directed the first three movies but the previous one, "Kozure Ôkami: Oya no kokoro ko no kokoro", got directed by Buichi Saito.
would Kenji Misumi continue on the same trend he had started the series in, or would he go with the successful more western style of approach Buichi Saito brought to the series.The answer would be the first.
Kenji Misumi pretty much continues what he had started.
This is not a bad thing of course, since all of the first three movies were great and entertaining ones but it just makes it a little bit less accessible as a movie for the western audience.
This style was however also more appreciated in Japan itself, so the switch back is quite understandable.The movie starts off kind of slow and uninteresting and I wasn't too fond about its storytelling but it soon finds its old form.
It actually turns into one of the more stronger movies out of the series, also story-wise.
It's a very entertaining movie and its fight sequences are a pleasure to watch.
It's being highly original and creative with some of its moments.It's awesome to see how Ogami Itto is taking on whole armies again.
Luckilly for use though, since it means that the movie gets action packed and features plenty of fountains of blood again, especially toward the ending when the movie becomes really more and more action filled and spectacular.Such an awesome and entertaining movie.9/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/.
These movies were infamous for their incredibly brutal and bloody swordplay sequences, but equally impressive IMHO was the leading actor- Tomisaburo Wakayama a.k.a.
"Lone Wolf" was surely the greatest martial arts star ever.
There were moments in the "Babycart" series where you'd swear he was the personification of his namesake, the Wolf.
Alas, Lone Wolf is one with void now, but his legend will live on forever in these films.
The Lone Wolf and his Child in the Land Of Demons - Brilliant Beyond Comparison.
The Lone Wolf and his son are back again, and greater than ever!
"Lone Wolf And Cub" cycle is exceptionally brilliant, and the fifth entry to the series, "Kozure Ôkami: Meifumadô" aka.
"Baby Cart In The Land Of Demons" is (alongside the second) my personal favorite of the six films.
Out of all six films, this one has the most intriguing storyline, and the film is brilliant beyond comparison in so many aspects that I can hardly find the right words to praise it adequately.Ogami Itto (Tomisaburo Wakayama), the former Kaishakunin of the Shogunate, has been traveling through Japan with his only son Daigoro (Akihiro Tomikawa) ever since he fell victim to a conspiracy by the powerful and sneaky Yagyu-clan.
He is now killing for 500 ryu as the assassin 'Lone Wolf with Child', walking on the 'path to hell', for vengeance and to clear his name...
The beginning of the fifth Ôkami film is already ingenious: Ogami Itto is challenged by five messengers, each of which has 100 Ryu (one-fifth his reward) and one-fifth of the information he requires in order to know whom to assassinate...
I do not want to give away more than necessary, but I can assure that "Baby Cart In The Land Of Demons" is exceptional in all regards.
Ogami Itto is my personal favorite (anti-)hero character ever, and his son Daigoro, who keeps growing to be more and more self-reliant throughout the films, is equally great.
This fifth part has an ingenious subplot featuring Daigoro as the main protagonist.
This subplot is one of the greatest parts of the entire series, and the mere fact that Daigoro has his biggest role here makes the film an absolute favorite.
This film has everything that is brilliant about the cycle: The swordplay and carnage are once again exceptionally stylish and brilliantly blood-soaked, the camera-work and locations are impressive, the film is outstanding both in plot and action, and there's a special focus on the father-son relationship between Itto Ogami and Daigoro.
Additionally, this fifth part has the most intriguing story of all six films, a beginning that is unmatched in its brilliance, and a subplot that delivers some of the most ingenious moments in the series.
I could watch the entire brilliant "Kozure Ôkami" cycle over and over again, and the fifth part is, along with the second, the most ingenious of them all.
One plus is his display at the end of the movie.
But in this great series, I think this one and "White Heaven in Hell" are the weakest..
Best movie in the Series!!.
It is the Empire Strikes Back of the Lone Wolf with Cub moving pictures.
Of course, this moving picture may be better appreciated upon having viewed the previous installments.
So even just viewing this moving picture may give a good enough idea of the characters idioms, respectively.
I think I cannot remember because I watched the 6th installment of the series the next day and now it's hard to remember the 5th.
The 6th moving picture was the "A View To A Kill" of the series.
But one large part of this moving picture is Tomisaburo Wakayama's intensity as both a battle-hardened Samurai and also as a caring father, even though he does things most father's wouldn't do.
Iffen you like good Samurai movies, be sure to check this one out.
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!
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.
Why not have the guys just go to Itto and give him the information and commission?!
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!
In between these meetings, there is an odd plot involving Itto's child, Daigoro, and a pickpocket.
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.
The Kuroda Domain in a desperate position contact Ogami for multiple killings, they send five of their best swordsmen to test Ogami skills and deliver the message: Their Domain Lord has retired and passed power onto his wedlock child (secretly a princess) when he fell in love with his mistress.
But the High Priest is in cahoots with Retsudo and plans to sell out the Kuroda Clan to the Shogunate for power.Ogami's hired to kill the High Priest, and the Domain Lord and his wedlock family to save the Kuroda Clan honor..
Probably the most grim and hard-hitting entry in this excellent series.
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.
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).
Dark and despairing, this film rates highly as one of the crowning achievements in the whole series.