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.
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.