Christopher B
While "The Tale of Zatoichi" went on to inspire and give life to a long series of films that sum up Zatoichi and his life and adventures, the film was a little slow at times as it had to develop and showcase the Zatoichi character to viewers for the first time. This isn't to say the film isn't worth a watch and has several truly exciting and stylish moments to witness throughout. I love samurai films and while this isn't at the top of the group, it is nevertheless a good film and very prevalent to Japan as it's become almost like the Japanese James Bond franchise. If you're into samurai films then this is a series of films worth checking out and delving into as the 26 films (25 of which are together for the first time on Criterion's spectacular Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Blu-ray box set) tell one complete story of the legendary character. Of course there is the television series as well to take note of and should be viewed before watching the 26th and final film. Can't wait to continue onwards!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
11/29/22
Full Review
andres s
This movie gives off those ‘The Sword of Doom' vibes that I cherish and love. It looks like it's got a good sense of humor as well. I feel like this saga of movies are going to play out similar to episodes of Samurai Champloo, where it's filed with excitement, kick ass sword fights and playful humor. I'm already captivated by it. Seeing the blind man deal the bets with all the guys. He's probably going to pull something clever out of his sleeve. He's probably luring them all in, baiting them all to put money down so that at the end, for the final deal, he can take all their money lol. What an amusing way to introduce a character - Zatoichi. A blind and humble masseur who has morals. I think they cast the actor that plays Zatoichi perfectly. I love how badass he is, and the best part is he doesn't flaunt it. He doesn't let anyone know how masterful he is with the sword until provoked. He keeps it a secret and stays humble. Ichi really is a force to be reckoned with.
I love how Zatoichi meets the skilled swordsman, the same one the boss was talking about, just randomly while out fishing for carp at the lake. That was a clever little moment in which both of them got to know each other and sort of size each other up. We also get a glimpse into how powerful Ichi's senses are when it comes to feeling and sound. I also get the feeling that the swordsman from Edo doesn't really care whether or not he lives or dies. He seems to be pretty ill and his backstory tells us he lost everything back home in Edo, and that could be including his family if he had one.
This movie has some very clever and genuinely funny moments that take you by surprise. Like when the clan is talking about Ichi and wondering if he is in fact a skilled swordsman, and then the camera zooms out quickly to reveal that he was there in the back the whole time. Lmao! That was comedy gold right there. The lighting is impeccable. Reminds me of Onibaba or Sword of Doom with how atmospheric it feels at times. That scene where Ichi is walking along the swamps with Otane and touches her face was so poetically pretty. The moon in the corner of the shot with the tree framing it was masterfully composed.
Dude Ichi is an artist with his katana. Wielding his sword almost like a master painter creating brush strokes of death. The way he took out those two guys in the forest in less than 3 seconds was amazing. I like the way Hirate dies on Ichi's back/shoulder after he gets him with a backwards stab to the chest. Pretty poetic. They both respected each other and Hirate was ready to die. I'm glad Ichi really stuck to Sukegoro at the end there basically telling him to suck it. Throwing the money he gave him on the ground and then telling him how he shouldn't be celebrating their victory since many of their men died during the battle. While the clans only cared about winning against the other, Zatoichi and Hirate cared about a mutual respect and fair fight towards each other - honor. The only reason the clans started the battle with one another was for power and financial gain. Selfish needs.
I think what I like most about these types of samurai movies like Lone Wolf & Cub, Sword of Doom, Yojimbo, Seven Samurai is how they sort of experiment and kind of disregard all the boring and lame traditional stuff you see in older samurai movies from the 50's. These are a lot more grittier, more stylish, more creative and a lot more fascinating - and I love that. Really tight, controlled and beautiful cinematography. Zatoichi the blind swordsman, really is a force to be reckoned with. I really enjoyed and loved watching this movie - and I knew I'd love it even before watching it. I anticipate watching the other twenty four movies in the saga.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
sean l
First in a line of twenty-six(!) samurai movies about a blind master swordsman who roams the countryside, conning the con-men and dicing the wannabe tough guys. In this chapter, Zatoichi accepts the hospitality of a small-time yakuza boss and allows himself to be enlisted into a simmering turf war. He finds a kindred spirit in an opposing ronin, a fellow pawn in the schemes of others, and mourns that their fates seem destined to converge in a duel.
The Tale of Zatoichi contains very little action, only a few lightning-fast demonstrations before the big battle at the end, but that restraint is careful and deliberate. In lieu of bloodier material, we learn to appreciate Ichi's meditative nature, recognize the shades of grey in his surroundings, enjoy the scenery of a small feudal village and anticipate the inevitability of the moment he finally bares his blade. Shintaro Katsu is calm and confident in that leading role, carrying himself with composed dignity while also selling the gravity of his handicap. As the supporting cast makes light of his condition and underestimates his capabilities, we observe his keener senses of hearing and smell, aides which he keeps to himself, and note the quiet stock he takes of everyone milling about.
At heart, this is a straightforward example of the genre. It hits many of the same notes you'll see in its contemporaries - strict code of honor, cynical worldview, reluctant violence, understated emotions - but it does these things well and is old enough that it could probably be credited with popularizing a few of them. I'm looking forward to watching this character develop.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This film was solid.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/12/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Zatoichi, where have you been all my life?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
spencer p
Suitably saving on the action to accentuate the deadliness of the hero, this is a great samurai film (albeit with dated fighting scenes) that comes with a solid moral center.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
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