poikkeus
This final episode of the six Lone Wolf and Cub series is a mixed bag, though continually entertaining, with the expected quota of sword fights, ninja attacks, and all-out battles - here captured in the the rival Yagyu faction's attempt to push the Lone Wolf to despair the body count that follows him.The extravagant violence that follows isn't so much realistic (with its blood that looks like paint, and shoestring foley work) as it is a Downhill Racer with samurai swords, the Baby Cart equipped with machine guns, cannons, and an assembly of spears. The most appealing aspect of this series (and this movie) derives from its bleak depiction of a world of honorable bad guys and just plain bad guys. Death, here, is an ugly business. The final sequence, which pits our hero against swordsmen wearing skis, is kind of campy, but that's all part of the mystique of this series. Some people love it; others may find it a bit formulaic.
EVOL666
This is the last episode of the BABY CART series, which centers around a father-and-son assassin duo who are out to destroy the Yagyu clan who betrayed them in the first installment of the series.This one has more of the usual inventive battles, including a fight with zombie-type ninjas, and a great end battle on skis through snow-covered mountains.This one didn't quite end the way I thought, and left itself open for another installment that never came. Regardless, this is yet another solid entry in this excellent series, and a fitting end to a legendary set of films. The cinematography, acting, sets and settings, and swordplay choreography are all up to par with the other films - which means even compared to contemporary films - these were lightyears ahead of their time. I highly recommend the whole series for anyone who's into martial arts or pinky-violence films. 8.5/10
crossworlds@hotmail.com
The Lone Wolf and Cub or "Babycart" series of movies are a joy to watch. There's never a dull moment during Ogami and Diagoro's travels across the land they call "hell".White Heaven in Hell is the last installment to a great series. Ogami must face what's left of the Yagyu Clan including Lord Retsudo. Ogami must kill them all to avenge Azami's (Ogami's wife) death.This movie displays some great choreography (as always) Tomisaburo Wakayama is that good with the sword I sometimes tend to believe the guy is a real "masterless samurai". Although some of the fight scenes are a little confusing (the fight with the girl and the throwing daggers) on a whole this movie displays jaw-dropping sword fights...including an amusing final showdown battle in the snow.And as usual, the movie displays some weird techniques of eradicating others...including daggers through the head, and even a rocket launcher! This may sound weird, but that's Babycart for you. But it works...in a weird kind of way,In my opinion, Tomisaburo Wakayama is certainly up there with the likes of Toshiro Mifune...if better.The end of what's possibly the best samurai saga ever.8/10
SaracenReborn
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. The command and authority with which he wielded a sword (and other weapons) was just phenomenal. The blade truly was an extension of himself, and his use of it was the definition of lethal, with none of the unnecessary/show-off flourishes so desperately thrown about by today's wannabes. He had incredible presence and charisma- easily on a par with the likes of say Eastwood or Bronson- with eyes that reflected pure death, and the desolation in his soul. There were moments in the "Babycart" series where you'd swear he was the personification of his namesake, the Wolf. You never doubted for one second that he WAS shogun executioner, masterless samurai, assassin for hire. One look at him in action, and you could readily understand why his enemies trembled at the mention of his name, and ran from him in sheer terror. Alas, Lone Wolf is one with void now, but his legend will live on forever in these films. Forget Toshiro Mifune. Forget Takakura Ken. Forget Sonny Chiba. Forget Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and any of those wire-reliant ballet dancers from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. And CERTAINLY forget any American martial artists that you could care to name. Tomisaburo Wakayama was, is, and forever shall be, THE MAN!
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