Film #034 - Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)
Viewed February 3, 2006
Your ability to enjoy Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)* is probably directly linked to your tolerance for violence. The “Lone Wolf and Cub” movies are exceptionally violent affairs. Based on the comics by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, they tell the story of Ogami Itto, a wrongfully disgraced Samurai, and his infant son Daigoro as they tread the path of vengeance.
Although I have read and am familiar with the comics, Baby Cart to Hades is the first of the movies I have seen. It is the third in the series, but does not require pre-existing knowledge of the others in order to be enjoyed. Although you will find yourself denied the specifics of Itto’s quest, his determination and the fatalistic nature of his journey is made clear.
The look of the film is quite gritty, perhaps in keeping with its 1970s vintage. Costumes and sets certainly look authentic and one gets a ture feel for the ancient world of feudal Japan. (Perhaps not the *real* feudal Japan, but at least one that is always true to its own vision.) It can get quite brutal, particularly in a scene where Itto chooses to be tortured in place of a prosititute in order to gain her freedom.
The action, once it gets going, is relentless and the swordplay is impressive. Tomisaburo Wakayama, who portrays Itto, has a grace and speed that belies his bull-like appearance. Young Akihiro Tomikawa is, perhaps, a bit older than Daigoro is normally portrayed (more a toddler than an infant), but he projects Daigoro’s open and honest view of the world impressively with nothing but his facial expressions.
The rest of the supporting cast is unmemorable, but effective. Innocent travelers who are waylaid by bandits illicit sympathy immediately and the young woman Itto attempts to rescue carries the emotional weight of her predicament without ever allowing it to slide into simplistic melodrama. Villains convey a sense of honor without ever allowing the audience to forget their villainy.
It goes without saying that Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades is not for everyone. With its highly stylized and brutal violence and harsh view of the world, it could be said that it isn’t for many. Fans of the comics should certainly see it as it is quite faithful, especially in its visual aspects. Fans of Asian swordplay films will find the fighting more than satisfying. But if you’re looking for real depth of character (which can be found in the comics), you may find Baby Cart to Hades a bit too watered down.
*I prefer the literal translation of the Japanese title: “Perambulator Against the Winds of Death”.