Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman

Released: Nov 9, 2004
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By: Takeshi Kitano
Other movies you might enjoy:
Getting Any?
Hana-bi (Fireworks)
Yojimbo
By: Greg Bell
Contributing Staff

Zatoichi is directed by (and even played by) Takeshi Kitano, who is noted for his work on Getting Any?, Fireworks, and Sonatine. Zatoichi has a mix of slapstick comedy, melodramatic storylines, and CGI-enhanced fights.

The history of Zatoichi: Zatoichi is a fictional character featured in one of Japan's longest running series of films and also in a television series. The time setting is in the Edo period of Japan. This character is quite popular, whose popularity is sometimes compared to that of James Bond in the West.

Zatoichi is a seemingly harmless blind masseur who wanders around the country making his living by gambling and as a masseur, however, he is highly skilled in swordsmanship, with his sword concealed within his cane. A recurring theme of both the films and television series episodes concerns Zatoichi protecting the innocent from oppressive warring clans.

Film Review: I found Zatoichi to be a very entertaining movie to watch. The story behind Zatoichi and the Zatoichi character himself is what really made the movie such a good watch. The fights, while CGI-enhanced, were done quite well. The storyline was also very interesting and kept you watching and came with a surprise ending.

Being directed by Takeshi Kitano, the movie featured some comedy scenes, but was also serious at the same time. A very interesting part of the movie was with these three farmers in the field, who, make music by what they are doing. This is also done by constructors.

Speaking of music, the movie features some of the best instrumental music that I’ve heard from a movie soundtrack. I also own the OST, and find it to be an excellent listen. All of the music from the movie is there, and even from the trailer. Also are some alternative mixes which are also very good.

Overall, the movie is an excellent example of Japanese cinema and is a definite must-see.