The third entry in the Lone Wolf and Baby Cart series moves at a more deliberate pace and has less action and graphic bloodshed than the two previous films, but still stands out as an important movie thanks to the fascinating insights it provides concerning the strongly held and unwavering samurai code of fearsome samurai warrior protagonist Ogami Itto (a typically fine and towering performance by Tomisaburo Wakayama). Ogami's discussions with fellow erstwhile samurai turned mercenary Magomura Kanbei (ably played with quiet strength and dignity by Go Kato) about their deeply felt samurai code of ethics and willingness to be subjected to extreme torture in order to save the life of lowly dejected prostitute Omatso (a touching turn by Sayoko Kato) reveal that Ogami is substantially more than just a formidable killing machine: He's also a man of great honor and humanity. Moreover, this film still delivers an exciting action set piece at the end with Ogami taking on and taking out a slew of men. In addition, the final confrontation between Ogami and Magomura packs a potent emotional (and visceral) punch. A very solid and satisfying film.
