The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

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I HATE YOU. AND YOUR STUPID MOVIE...ZATOICHI!

B. Alan takes a long, hard look at Beat Takeshi's latest DVD.

B. Alan OrangeNov 20, 2004

Critics Score

Release Date

September 6, 2003

Director

Takeshi Kitano

Writers

Takeshi Kitano
Kan Shimosawa

Cast

Takeshi Kitano
Tadanobu Asano
Michiyo Ookusu
Gadarukanaru Taka
Daigorô Tachibana
Yûko Daike

Official Website

justice-is-blind.com

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi Synopsis

Japanese auteur Takeshi Kitano, director of such masterpieces as FIREWORKS and SONATINE, takes on the iconic character of Japan's longest-running and best-loved film series, the blind swordsman Zatoichi. Best known for his gripping yakuza gangster films and as a famous comedian, Kitano’s set down the guns and picked up the sword, THE BLIND SWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI emerges as an unforgettable blend of light comedy and thrilling action sequences.

Zatoichi is a 19th Century blind nomad who makes his living as a gambler and masseur. However, behindthis humble facade, he is a master swordsman gifted with a lightning-fast draw and breathtaking precision.

While wandering, Zatoichi discovers a remote mountain village at the mercy of Ginzo, a ruthless gang-leader. Ginzo disposes of anyone who gets in his way, especially after hiring the mighty samurai ronin Hattori as a bodyguard. After a raucous night of gambling in town, Zatoichi encounters a pair of geishas -- as dangerous as they are beautiful -- who’ve come to avenge their parents' murder at the hands of Ginzo.

As the paths of these and other colorful characters intertwine, Ginzo’s henchmen are soon after Zatoichi. With his legendary cane sword at his side, the stage is set for a riveting showdown.