Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril: the fourth film in the series, this time directed by Saitoo Buichi, again uses the story mostly as an excuse for the absurd levels of violence. This time, however, it takes some time to flesh out both the story of the antagonist (an often bare-breasted female swordfighter) and the back-story of the protagonist. Also, it gives some more time to the assassin’s son, who was mostly a prop so far. All that results in a richer overall experience than the previous films. Wakayama Tomisaburoo hard, almost inscrutable face, remains proper for the anti-hero. Tomikawa Akihiro is OK as the son, a kid who already learned from the life his father imposes on him. Their relationship is quiet, but a caring one. Azuma Michi makes a strong antagonist, one that uses her assets in her favor. The violence is extreme, but the way it’s shown is far from the inventiveness of the earlier films. Sakurai Hideaki’s musical score is quite interesting, particularly as it moves away from the standard for the genre and time period. A constant in the series, the costume design is solid, sometimes very colorful and attractive.

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