The Zatoichi series is hugely popular in Japan. It has spawned 27 features and a 100 episode TV series. Shintaro Katsu spent most of his career playing the iconic character – a blind low-class masseur who has blindingly fast swordplay skills. The series mixes action and comedy much like INDIANA JONES.
In his final appearance as Zatoichi, Shintaro also wrote and directed the film. The direction and style is highlights, but the film’s iconic portrayal of the character is what makes the film so wonderful. The film follows Zatoichi on a journey to avenge the murder of a mother and father by warring yakuza (gangsters), which leaves a flock of children orphans. The film takes its time to develop the plot and characters. I especially liked the relationship between Zatoichi and the masterless samurai (Ken Ogata, SEPTEMBER 11).
A note of the film’s humor comes in scenes when Zatoichi scams gamblers using his blindness as an aid and when the yakuza summon Zatoichi for a massage and then discuss him like he isn’t Zatoichi. The action scenes, however, are the true joy of the film. The quick bursts of action so clearly display Zatoichi’s skills. The construction of the final battle scene is brilliant with its over-exaggerated blood. If you like KILL BILL or kung fu flicks than you’ll like this film. This is the first film of the series I’ve seen and I want to see more. Give the film your patience and you will be rewarded with a great ending.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
