The Tale of Zatoichi

one of my favorite films.

This film caught me by surprise with its subtlety and beauty. Brilliantly filmed and acted, the story of Zatoichi the humble and honorable blind masseur/swordsman captivates.

This is about as quintessentially classic for this genre as it can get. Somewhat like ‘Seven Samurai’, but even better on many cinematographic levels. You will remember this film and not tire of re-visiting it every once in a while. Glad I purchased it instead of renting.

My personal favorite of the Zatoichi films. Love the cinematography, and the final duel is exquisite.

Zatoichi is a blind masseur who wanders Japan during the late Edo period. He is a master swordsman that hides his sword in his cane, just as he hides his strength in humbleness. He unsheathes both only when necessary and always for the greater good. The sword fights are stylized and fast and at times look better than modern films. This is the beginning of a 26 film series staring Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi. All are worth seeing.

This is a good movie but needs a full HD makeover to include color and sound

So it begins....

This is the very first contemporary "anti-hero" of the modern age.

He's like a Japanese James Bond samurai style. Ohh & he's blind;) Sake... shaken not stirred. Be forewarned it's where Tarantino got the blood idea!! Please don't make me pay a million ¥€N!

Shintaro Katsu is the Legendary Actor and Director of Japan. The Zatoichi series was one of his greatest contributions to Japanese Film. It spanned for 26 movies (if my memory doesn't fail me). I got my love for the series from my mother who grew up watching the series. Every story is well written and told wonderfully. I will buy every episode. Thank you for not disgracing his memory by keeping them in the original Japanese.