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 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. The movie does feature some great memorable moments in it, perhaps even more so than was the case with any of the previous movies. 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. You would think that by now his reputation would had exceeded him and people would know better to cross swords with him. The Japanese are however too noble and proud to just runaway at his sight or perform harakiri right away. 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/

It's the best moving picture of the bunch!! It is the Empire Strikes Back of the Lone Wolf with Cub moving pictures. The action was superb and the bad guys were REALLY bad! Of course, this moving picture may be better appreciated upon having viewed the previous installments. Without trying to give anything away; some of the climactic scenes may be better understood with some of the back story filled in, but, I cannot seem to remember how much of "Meifumado" is exposition. 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. Take that as you will. 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. Haha Had to leave you with a Reading Rainbow plug...

The Lone Wolf and his son are back again, and greater than ever! The entire "Kozure Ôkami" aka. "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. After another director, Buichi Saito, had directed the (impressive) fourth part, original director Kenji Misumi returns with brilliance. 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. A personal favorite of mine, brilliant and essential Swordplay cinema that has yet to find an equal! 10/10