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(More customer reviews)For pure, unadulterated, visceral entertainment, the "Lone Wolf and Cub" series can't be beat. The acting, directing, the screenplays, and the cinematography are all top notch. The action sequences have to be seen to be believed. Each and every film feature loads of "money shots". Fans of Tarantino will immediately see where he drew much of his inspiration for the "Kill Bill" series. I suspect that these movies were an influence on "Mighty Python and the Holy Grail" as well. Another little known fact is that the manga that this is based upon was also the inspiration for "Road to Perdition".
People with no experience with Japanese cinema will probably find these movies to be very bizarre the first time they see them. They depict a culture whose morals and values are quite different from Western standards. Its not uncommon in these movies for someone to kill, or commit suicide, for reasons not easily comprehended. Examples: in Volume 2, a cult of female ninjas brutally dismember and kill one of their allies, just to prove a point (that they're superior fighters). In volume 6, one thug after another joyfully sacrifice their lives in order to help a princess perfect her killing technique. In volume 3, following a brutal rape and murder, a Samurai attempts to help the criminals cover up their atrocity. His actions are depicted as honorable behavior.
The main character, Ogami Itto, can only be described as an anti-hero. An assassin by trade, he describes himself as evil, a demon, "one who walks along the crossroads of Hell". He will kill anyone for 500 pieces of gold, even women and children. The opening scene in the first film sets the tone of the series, when Ogami, the official executioner of the Shogun, brutally decapitates a toddler. Even so, he is portayed throughout the series as a very sympathetic, honorable character. You will find yourself rooting for him and his son.
I can't say enough good things about these movies. They are so satisfying on every level. You'll get a rush at the over-the-top scenes of violence. You may even begin to question your Westernized notions of morality. Be cautioned though: these movies are not for the squeamish. Volume 1 and 3, in particular, feature very disturbing depictions of rape and murder. Don't say I didn't warn you.
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The LONE WOLF AND CUB series chronicles the adventures of disgraced Shogun assassin Ogami Itto and his infant son Daigoro, who sell their services to people in need while traveling the countryside in search of revenge against the hit squad who killed Itto's wife. All six parts of the martial arts-based drama are included here. In the first film of the series, SWORD OF VENGEANCE, Ogami escapes with his son in a wooden baby cart after an assassination attempt on his family. The second film, BABY CART AT THE RIVER STYX, sees Ogami stalked by a deadly female ninja as he attempts to assassinate a spy from the Shogunate. The journey continues in BABY CART TO HADES, with Ogami coming to the aid of a prostitute who killed her pimp. But he has to undergo torture to win back her freedom. In the follow-up, BABY CART IN PERIL, Ogami must battle a female martial arts master and defend his son from an assassination attempt by an enemy clan. The fifth film in the saga, BABY CART IN THE LAND OF DEMONS, features a duel between Ogami and five warriors who hold not only his assassin's fee, but vital information he needs to hunt down his enemies. Then, in the sixth and final installment in the LONE WOLF series, titled WHITE HEAVEN IN HELL, Ogami faces his ultimate challenge when all remaining members of the enemy Retsudo clan band together for a face-off on a snowy battlefield.
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