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Reviews
Shin Zatôichi monogatari: Kasama no chimatsuri (1973)
you can try, but you can never go home
After a 23 year absence, Zatoichi returns to his home town to find that few remember him. But in the end the village residents will have much to remember him by.
Of course Zatoichi is in a sentimental mood. There is a funny scene where Zato mistakenly thinks that the town has set up a big banquet in his honor and he frets over how to greet his guests and thank them. There is a touching scene where Zato comes across a Jizo (Buddha) statue along side a road where he used to play as a child. Jizo is missing his stone head, so Zatoichi gets on hands and knees to find the missing head. In the end he finds the head and replaces it on Jizo's shoulders. Zato visits the grave of his 'aunti' who breast fed him and offers sake (taking a nip himself :) ).
The second half of the film is fast paced and has an interesting story. It's a story of greed and the story is being sown by Zatoichi's childhood friend, who has returned to the village at the same time as Zatoichi. Their confrontation is predictable, but Zatoichi takes out a host of yakuza to eventually confront his childhood friend. Overall, it's a compelling story and has a lot of good action.
So this film marks the 25th film in a period of 12 years. It's interesting that the series pauses at this point. The next film (and last) will be released in 1989. I would rank Zatoichi Conspiracy higher than several of the earlier films in the series, but the Japanese public must have had enough by this point. Good work Katsu!
Shin Zatôichi monogatari: Oreta tsue (1972)
A disturbing dark vision from Katsu
The old women falling off the bridge. How many times must you see it! It's hard to say that I enjoy this film, but it certainly grabs my attention.
Katsu Shinatro is at the helm of this entry in the Zatoichi series. Katsu directs, and of course, stars in Zatoichi in Desperation. As others have written, there is a lot of suffering in this film. The local boss and his henchmen are cruel in the extreme, even children are not safe in this sea town. The situation seems almost hopeless to the inhabitants, and some choose to take their own lives rather than suffer in the present life.
Zatoichi does not take this path. Zatoichi is a man of firm resolve and an unbending sense of right and wrong. Zatoichi pays a horrible price to free a prostitute. The yakuza come by the next day to finish off the job, but Zatoichi has had enough time to prepare and he is merciless in his revenge.
A Zatoichi fan has to wonder if Katsu's vision for Zatoichi is indicative of a dark heart from the director and star. There are moments in earlier films with a lighter feeling. Zatoichi doesn't laugh often, but when he does the audience is happy and relieved. I wonder if this dark vision was related to personal troubles in Katsu's life. Unfortunately, the only biographies I can find on Katsu Shintaro are Japanese language books. Let's hope that one of the many biographies in Japanese is translated into English.
Zatôichi goyô-tabi (1972)
Firmly in the 70s, but still entertaining
This is the 23rd entry in the series and was filmed in 1972. The movie soundtrack sounds like something you would here in the American TV series Kojak. A haunting traditional Japanese song balances the mood out (thankfully).
Yes, Katsu's Zatoichi has been around for two decades at this point. Many of the familiar elements are in this entry as well. Zatoichi tries to reunite a child with its parent, but is mistakenly believed to be the child's murderer. There are some funny characters in the form of the festival entertainers. That same idiotic (in a funny way) husband and wife team show up again. Zatoichi does a good job trying to turn himself in to the honorable constable, but doesn't have much better luck here than elsewhere in the film.
The finale also feels new, in ways similar to the Lone Wolf and Cub series which made its debut the same year. There is a menacing bup, bup, bup, bup... bass sound as Zatoichi goes about cleaning up the town in his special way. Dissonant music adds a frightening edge to the bloody resolution of the film. The final dual introduces a twist to the ordinary. It's perhaps Zatoichi's kindest deed in the film.
Zatoichi cult members (myself included) will find enough to enjoy in this film All others should watch on TV or rent before buying!
Shin Zatôichi: Yabure! Tôjin-ken (1971)
Chinese and Japanese steel plus drama
Katsu's sword work is very good in this film. This is especially true in the scene where he rescues one of the characters on the road and also in the fights he has against the boss's minions. Katsu's sword work is especially tight, direct, and brutal.
But most viewers will be more interested in the meeting of two cinema worlds, Chinese kung fu meets Japanese chambara. The story can be seen as being very symbolic if you think of the complex and tragic recent history between Japan and China.
Zatoichi and Yasuda (the director) could be making a political and/or cultural statement here. In this story a Chinese man is good, a Japanese priest is very bad, and the Shogun's laws are shown to be absolutely absurd. In the end, the confrontation between Zatoichi and Wang comes about because of a series of misunderstandings caused by their inability to communicate with one another. The real tragedy in this tale is that Zatoichi and Wang have very similar characters. They are both honorable men who defend the weak and the poor against the strong and the wealthy. It's a tragedy that they end up confronting one another.
I have heard that there is an alternative version of the film with a different ending. I can imagine how it would end, but would very much like to see it. Hopefully someday it will become available.
There is some good action in this entry in the series by both Katsu Shintaro and Jimmy Wang. Zatoichi Meets the One Armed Swordsman is good entertainment for the fan of martial arts films.
Zatôichi abare-himatsuri (1970)
No butts no glory!
This entry in the Zatoichi series is firmly planted in the 1970s and at times has an almost James Bondesque feel to it. This is especially true in the bath house scene where Zatoichi goes to enjoy a calming bath and ends up attached by scores of tattooed, naked yakuza. The music is great and the scene is frenetic and fun at the same time. Wooden buckets are used strategically and in a funny way. For veteran Zatoichi fans, notice how Zatoichi's style differs when he uses someone else's sword.
Tatsuya Nakadai does take part in Festival of Fire. He is a truly deranged and dangerous ronin. Of course it's Zatoichi's fate to meet him in the final scene.
The colors are brilliant, there's a good musical score and it's a fine blend of humor, drama, and action. This is an entry with wide appeal for chambara fans. It's campy at times, so those who love the early Zatoichi films most might feel that this film is a bit frivolous, but for the casual viewer there is much to enjoy.
Zatôichi to yôjinbô (1970)
1st of two films that unite Katsu and Mifune - worth the watch
It has taken several viewings of this film to finally come around and enjoy it (for the most part). Toho Studios has now taken over the Zatoichi franchise and this means a larger budget production. Of course Mifune and Katsu together were guaranteed to draw a lot of attention when the film was released in 1970.
Zatoichi is tired of killing and remembers a beautiful, peaceful village up in the mountains. Then he's off to the village to enjoy the plum blossoms and the sound of a babbling brook. Or maybe not! The village is not the same and several bad characters plot to make themselves rich at the expense of the locals (and the Japanese Treasury in this case).
The repertoire between Zatoichi and the Yojimbo (Sasa) is entertaining and funny. Sasa tells Zatoichi to act more like a criminal, and Zatoichi, ever ready to please, pounds down a bottle of sake. The two call each other idiot and freak. At first these are hateful terms, but over the course of the film, they come to respect one another, and continue to use the same names for each other.
This is the longest film in the Zatoichi series (116 minutes) and it needn't be. The first hour works well, but the next 30 minutes or so sees the story meandering along with the introduction of another government spy (turned bad) that adds nothing to the main story.
The sword work in this film is only good, not great. The final confrontation between Zatoichi and Sasa is short and ends as one could predict. This film could have really been a gem if the film concentrated on the development of Zatoichi and Sasa's relationship. The two characters are entertaining and the film will please most chambara aficionados.
Zatôichi kenka-daiko (1968)
Nice mix of drama, action, and humor
I have enjoyed Samaritan Zatoichi from the first viewing. If you enjoyed Zatoichi's Cane Sword, I believe you will like Samaritan Zatoichi as well.
There is a great combination of drama, action, and humor. Very early in the film, we are introduced to another traveling yakuza named Shinsuke. Shinsuke is a real lively, interesting guy and the only character in the series who is easily identifiable as a person from Kansai (Osaka region). Early on in the film we also learn that Zatoichi does not have infinite patience. Don't call him a blind bastard more than twice!
But the main attraction in this film is the complex and emotional story between Zatoichi and Sode. Zatoichi kills Sode's brother. He soon regrets the part he played in the killing and takes on a guardian role to Sode as she makes her way back to her aunt's home.
The action scenes in Samaritan Zatoichi are good, but not the best you will see in the series. Zatoichi also does more than simply running his usual scam in the gambling scene. Did you know that he also carries a pair of loaded dice? Zatoichi comes close to paying the ultimate price for such behavior, but manages to pray to the right buddha as he is all bundled up and manages to escape.
Samaritan Zatoichi is a fun journey full of twists and turns that leads to the requisite showdown with a samurai. A quick word of warning to the samurai. Zatoichi is most dangerous when he is on the ground!
Zatôichi hatashi-jô (1968)
Katsu Shintaro paired with Shimura Takashi, leads to good film
As others have suggested, I also get the impression that the studio was trying a little extra to keep the Zatoichi enterprise chugging along and making money. The film mostly succeeds.
It's great to see Takashi Shimura in a supporting role as Dr. Junan. Even though he is aged in this appearance and his hair is white, who can forget the thick lips and the fine acting in previous films like Seven Samurai, Drunken Angel and Ikiru? There is also more blood in this entry, a sign of things to come.
Zatoichi takes on a group of vicious thugs. Zatoichi is befriended by Dr. Junan. In the end, taking on the thugs destroys his friendship with the doctor.
Well, you've seen the same story unfold numerous times before, but it's still an enjoyable ride.
Zatôichi chikemuri kaidô (1967)
worth the wait
This is another entry in the series directed by Kenji Misumi, but perhaps it is not one of his best.
This is a good film. I like the variety of characters and emotions in the film. Although I don't sing enka (traditional Japanese love songs) in the karaoke, I enjoyed seeing it here in this film. Zatoichi loves any kind of music. And yes, it does seem very 1960s, because the film was MADE in the 1960s.
Unlike other Misumi films which are tightly paced and have a clear direction, Zatoichi Challenged meanders a bit through the middle of the film. It is the ending of the film which should have your full attention.
Once again, Zatoichi must square off against a samurai. But unlike other entries in the series, Zatoichi actually respects this one. But in the end, Zatoichi must defy the samurai to protect his friends. The usual duel ensues, but the ending to the duel is unique and very satisfying.
This one is worth watching if you are a Zatoichi fan and worth the price for Zatoichi collectors.
Zatôichi rôyaburi (1967)
New director and writers does not equal a better film
Zatoichi the Outlaw is one of my least favorite entries in the Zatoichi series. Yamato Satsuo directs his only Zatoichi film, and the writers are new as well. In the US, this is also the first Zatoichi film released by AnimEigo on DVD.
The colors are rich and verdant as the film takes place in the rich farmland of summertime Japan. There are some interesting characters, but as others have said, perhaps there are TOO many characters, and none of them is fleshed out well enough.
I do very much like the reaction of Zatoichi as he encounters this unique village and hears the peasants singing of the joy of a life without whores and gambling.
Zatoichi says to himself, "No gambling, no whores, no fighting. Ah, sounds like I've stumbled upon one strange village!"
And the fact that Zatoichi is wandering around Japan, encountering different peoples and situations in different seasons, makes the series a true road trip experience.
Zatoichi also tries his hand at improving the situation in the rural community, only to make things even worse. Zatoichi kills one corrupt boss, only to return from a year's absence to find that his place has been taken by the boss that Zatoichi formerly admired.
There is also a great scene where Katsu Shintaro plays the biwa. This man can play and his sword drawing is just as good!
So although there are some entertaining moments throughout the film, the film doesn't have the natural flow that a Misumi Kenji directed film has. My advice is to check out the other better films in the series, and check out Zatoichi the Outlaw if you are still hungry for more.
Zatôichi tekka-tabi (1967)
A true gem
This entry in the Zatoichi series has been reviewed extensively at IMDb for good reason. If you have grown to admire Zatoichi and enjoyed earlier films in the series, you are sure to love Zatoichi Tekka Tabi. If you are a fan of samurai films with a lot of action and spurting blood, then you will lose patience with this film. Warning for the before-mentioned samurai film fans; Zatoichi doesn't make his first kill until the 77th minute!
All of the most interesting scenes have been described by others. There is a great variety of scenes and Katsu Shintaro is at his best. I do have to mention the Duck Song scene. It is absolutely devastating. It's a short little song and dance performed by Zatoichi that blasts the boss who is hosting the party. Zatoichi finishes his song, waits, and doesn't hear any applause. The audience is stunned by his audacity. The scene continues with fabulous dialog between the boss and Zatoichi. It's pure gold.
The film eventually does take the viewer into familiar territory and by now you should know what to expect. The cinematography of Zatoichi entering the town holding an umbrella under falling snow is one of my favorite images from the series.
If you are looking to add to your Zatoichi DVD collection, this one is a no-brainer. It's terrific stuff served up by Katsu at his best.
Zatôichi no uta ga kikoeru (1966)
Zatoichi soul searching
This entry in the series begins with a hilarious scene wherein a Zatoichi suffering from a cold is surrounded by a gang of thugs. The usual occurs and the coup de grâce is delivered with a sneeze!
But the most interesting character in the film is the traveling, blind, pipa-playing priest. The priest is uncommonly wise and quickly takes the measure of Zatoichi. Zatoichi is pronounced to be a 'chuto hampa', belonging neither to common folk who look down upon him as a cripple, nor to the blind community because of his extraordinary abilities. This explains Zatoichi's loneliness, which is a common theme throughout the series. The priest extols Zatoichi to put away the sword. And Zatoichi does at one point, enjoying a meal in the forest with the blind priest, carrying a normal cane. Zatoichi's samurai rival draws near, and Zatoichi confesses that he is afraid.
True, in the end there is no catharsis. The film concludes with the normal string of confrontations with gang members and a showdown with the samurai. Still, there is a level of feeling and introspection in this film that continues on into the next film in the series. This compelling blend of humor, human struggle, and violence is sure to please a wide audience.
Zatôichi jigoku-tabi (1965)
Zatoichi series enters it's stride
The year is now 1965 and this is the twelfth entry in the Zatoichi series. Far from being stale, Zatoichi and the Chess Master heralds the start of a three film run of some of the best the series has to offer. Katsu Shintaro is now fully adept in his role as Zatoichi and director Misumi Kenji does an excellent job with the material. The story is full of surprises and little twists and turns. Some people compare Zatoichi to Columbo, and it's easy to see why here.
There is not a great deal of fighting in the film, but there is suspense and great character development. Two scenes are especially moving. First, when the little girl (Miki) is cured thanks to the medicine that Zatoichi procures at great danger to himself. Miki thanks Zatoichi, and Zatoichi is all choked up. All he can do is run out of the room, full of emotion, and truly blind. He runs head first into a wooden pole, stops, and pounds his head into the pole a few more times. The second memorable scene is the scene where the Chess Master (Jumonji) begins to believe that Zatoichi has the crime figured out. Zatoichi leaves the room, the two are only separated by a thin shoji screen. Jumonji slowly grabs for the hilt of his sword. On the other side of the screen, Zatoichi stands completely still, his hand moves towards the hilt of his sword. A tense moment ensues before Jumonji relaxes and so do we all!
Zatoichi feels the Force. Now he probably passes his time practicing with Yoda somewhere far, far away.
Zatôichi sakate-giri (1965)
Equal parts humor and swordplay
This entry in the series is silly at times, but ends with a lengthy and bloody fighting scene.
Zatoichi befriends a charlatan on the road (Hyakutaro). Hyakutaro steals Zatoichi's name and reputation and tries to extort money from local bosses. Zatoichi isn't too pleased when he finds out about the situation, but Zatoichi eventually comes to think better of Hyakutaro. Hyakutaro has a good heart and Zatoichi encourages him to straighten up his life. There are some funny scenes throughout the film.
But in the end, Zatoichi must fight his way through a huge gang of yakuza in order to free Hyakutaro's father, who was wrongly accused of murder. The gangsters employ nets and other contraptions in order to try to take down Zatoichi, but they only succeed in further angering an already dangerous man!
I must admit that the first time I watched the film, I was not very impressed. But after a few more viewings, I have come to better appreciate the acting of both Katsu Shintaro and the actor who plays Hyakutaro.
Zatôichi nidan-kiri (1965)
These guys make Zatoichi angry!
The yakuza boss and the government official (Intendant) are truly despicable characters in this entry of the Zatoichi series. Zatoichi doesn't need to say anything about the situation. His body language and facial expressions tell you directly that he has had enough with this rabble.
You see, Zatoichi has a weak spot for the weak. He will do just about anything to help women and children. In this case, young women are forced into prostitution and Zatoichi puts a stop to it in the only way he knows how, with the sharp edge of his blade!
Now ten films into the series, the sad nature of Zatoichi's life is fully exposed. Zatoichi is a good guy. He makes friends along the way, but can never stay in one place because both the government and the yakuza are looking for him. In Zatoichi's Revenge, Zatoichi befriends a dice handler named Denroku the Weasel and his cute daughter. Denroku learns some lessons from Zatoichi and promises to lead a more honest life. The share a cup of sake before the final scene and you know they would be great friends, if only it was possible.
Zatoichi might have a few laughs throughout the film and some good company, but in the end, he marches away alone with blood on his hands.
Zatôichi sekisho-yaburi (1964)
Fine cast of characters
For those of who have viewed and enjoyed the first 8 films in the series, this entry doesn't have many surprises. Yet, I still enjoyed Adventures of Zatoichi thoroughly.
The film's strength is in the fine ensemble of characters throughout. I especially enjoyed the two traditional comedians at the beginning of the film. In addition, the boss has two very interesting yojimbos. The newly hired yojimbo has to be one of the smartest in the complete series. After watching Zatoichi fight several times, he calmly informs Zatoichi that he has no desire to fight him because he isn't getting paid enough. He then amicably turns away and walks off into the mountains! The more senior yojimbo is unhappy with his prospects as a third son of a low ranking samurai. He shares this information over a few cups of sake that Zatoichi offers him. In the end, this is the big duel at the end of the film. The duel takes place at night, with swirling snow. It's a great scene.
If you have seen a few entries in the series and are looking for something different, keep looking! If you like the formula of the series and haven't seen this entry yet, you should find this film very enjoyable.
Zatôichi kesshô-tabi (1964)
A must for any Zatoichi fan
This entry in the series is highly recommended. I often recommend this as the first film in the series that friends and family view. Katsu Shintaro is fantastic in this film. At one point in the film, Zatoichi tells someone that he has never been happier, and the audience already knows that because of Katsu's fine acting. This is not the only film where Katsu shares the camera lens with a child. Katsu obviously loves children and their presence lightens the mood of these films.
The emphasis in this film is drama. There is less sword fighting, so if your interest in the series is purely for the fighting sequences, move on to another entry. For all others who enjoy a mixture of drama and action, this is a fantastic film that is sure to bring some moisture to your eyes.
Just as an aside, I don't know how the international English title became Fight, Zatoichi, Fight. The Japanese Kanji literally mean Zatoichi Blood Smile Travel, giving the feeling of both violence and happiness.
Zatôichi abare tako (1964)
Explosive final scene with fireworks and lightning slashes of the cane sword
This is a solid entry in the series. It's true that there is little action until the closing minutes, but when the dam breaks, it breaks big!
I very much appreciated the portrayal of the two bosses. In many Zatoichi films all bosses are equally bad and sometimes disgusting in their greed and avarice. In this film Zatoichi winds up in the house of boss Bunkichi. Bunkichi turns out to be the real deal. He avoids confrontation, does not exploit the locals, and even puts on a fireworks display during O-Bon (summer festival). Zatoichi respects Bunkichi's household and the values they stand for.
In contract, the boss on the other side of the river is Yasugoro. The actor who plays Yasugoro shows up in many of the films in the series. Here he does a great job as the bad guy, strutting around when he is safe and stuttering with nervousness whenever things get rough.
And while the fireworks go off overhead, Zatoichi crosses the river to make Yasugoro pay for his crimes. The lighting in the last fight scene is menacing. Ichi wreaks bloody vengeance in a systematic and frightening manner. As the last firework explodes overhead, Zatoichi delivers the final devastating blow.
Zatôichi senryô-kubi (1964)
Zatoichi gives his heart and soul for others and receives little in return
This is one of my favorite films in the Zatoichi series. The opening film credit scene is amazing. This scene is a superbly choreographed, artistic display of swordsmanship that takes place on a darkened stage with three attacks on Zatoichi. Katsu Shintaro shows that the sword is an integral part of the Zatoichi story, and he is a master of the iai style of combat.
In this film Zatoichi is shown no respect. He is mistrusted by farmers, shown disdain by government officials, and finally whipped by a samurai. The samurai villain is played by Katsu's real-life brother, Tomisaburo Wakayama. In one scene Wakayama shows an incredible sword drawing technique that is as equally impressive as Katsu's.
In the end, Zatoichi saves the day as always.
Yet, unlike in the fourth film The Fugitive where Zatoichi is able to shake of the trials and pain of his struggles and dances off to the horizon accompanied by some toe-tapping music, in the Chest of Gold Zatoichi has been abused and beaten so badly throughout the film that he can only manage to shuffle away towards the horizon as the farmers celebrate their good fortune in the distance. It's a poignant and sad scene.
Zatôichi kenka-tabi (1963)
Ichi in control
This being the fifth entry in the Zatoichi series, the series has taken on an expected form. Once again, Zatoichi finds himself in the middle of a gang war and tries to do the right thing. The right thing in this case is to spirit a young maiden back to safety in Edo and away from a rapacious samurai.
Zatoichi is firmly in control in this entry of the series. This is not always the case. But here, Zatoichi is comfortable, confident, and intimidating. Both gangs treat Ichi with the utmost respect (at least to his face) because of his fighting prowess. This fact is punctuated in the scene where Ichi tries to get the gang war started by asking the other side to send up a challenger to fight one on one. There are no takers!
The young maiden is lovely Mitsu (Shiho Fujimura). It's easy to see how Ichi falls for this cute, helpless maiden. Although in the end, Ichi doesn't think he is good enough for her, because she is the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
Each good entry in the series has one or two scenes which are unforgettable. For me, the dragonfly scene in On the Road is unforgettable. A lovely moment of a spring day turns suddenly violent for only a few seconds and then peace is restored. How many times do we see villains leap at Zatoichi when he has fallen or is on the ground? That turns out to be a fatal mistake!
Overall it's a good entry in the series. It's good to see Ichi get some respect and the love of a charming lady. It's sad to see him march off by himself at the end of the film. Why Zatoichi, why?
Zatôichi kyôjô-tabi (1963)
At the center of a whirlwind
that our hero Zatoichi cannot control.
The fourth film in the Zatoichi series contains many characters and sub-plots. At times it's hard to know where it is all leading, but the viewer gains a better understanding of Zatoichi's motives. Zatoichi seeks a peaceful resolution of the typical turf war. Zatoichi supports the young, weak yakuza in his desire to wed a former rival's daughter. Zatoichi also encounters an slightly older, and far less pure Tane, his love interest from film #1.
There is little action in the first hour of the film, but the final scene is hectic and full of carnage. Zatoichi finally loses restraint and goes on a blood-letting rampage that leads to the final confrontation with the truly black-hearted lover of Tane.
It's a solid entry in the series.
I enjoyed the sumo tournament at the beginning of the film. Yes, our hero is multi-talented. He played the shamizen in film #3, wrestles in film #4 and has other hidden skills to reveal in later movies.
And once again, Zatoichi finishes the film minus his cane sword. Where does he get another cane sword for film #5?
Shin Zatôichi monogatari (1963)
Great drama and a lightning sword!
ROBTRAIN is telling the truth about this entry in the Zatoichi series. Zatoichi has to contend with the brother of Kanbei from film 2, a criminal gang, and most shockingly, his former sensei!
Everyone (except Ichi's love interest) is basically a bastard. Zatoichi shows regret in the choices which have brought him into the yakuza world. And yet, Ichi always tries to do the right thing, showing respect for his sensei, refusing to believe that a young women from a samurai family could fall for him, and saving a kidnap victim. The drama builds and builds in this action-drama and leads to a great climatic scene involving Ichi and his sensei.
It is obvious that Katsu Shintaro has worked on his sword technique and shows amazing speed and increasing agility in his moves. This is a great film and one of the best in the Zatoichi series.
Zoku Zatôichi monogatari (1962)
trying to break out
Part 2 of the Zatoichi film is good cinema and a compelling story. New details of Zatoichi's life are revealed, but at times it feels as though Katsu Shintaro and director Mori Kazuo have trouble breaking out of the original story of film number 1 to move on to newer, fresher territory. Have patience, the Zatoichi series does break into new and fertile ground in later films.
Some people love trivia. Zatoichi's brother in the film (Yoshiro of Nagisa) is in fact played by Katsu Shintaro's actual brother, Wakayama Tomisaburo (credited here with the name Jo Kenzaburo). Katsu and sometime Zatoichi director Misumi Kenji will work together to produce and direct the best of the Baby Cart series starring Wakayama Tomisaburo as Itto Ogami in the 1970s.
Another common question is the early films is, where did Zatoichi get his sword? Zatoichi buries his sword in film number one with Hirate Miki. It's now one year later, so presumably Zatoichi has replaced the cane sword from film number 1 with a new sword that looks very similar. During the climatic scene in film number 2, Zatoichi drops his sword and hustles his now wounded brother into the safety of a creek, leaving his sword behind. He makes his last kill in film number 2 with another person's sword. Does Zatoichi somehow recover this sword to use it in film number 3?
There are some inconsistencies in the early films. At the beginning of the project, nobody in their wildest dreams could have believed that the series would eventually grow to 26 films.
Film number 2 is somewhat of a let-down compared to the great first film. It is a good film, with interesting information about Zatoichi's youth. Zatoichi also finds love (at least for one night).
Zatôichi monogatari (1962)
Fantastic start to a great series
For all the new Zatoichi fans that were introduced to the story by Beat Takeshi's 2003 adaptation, do yourselves a favor and see the original!
I really wish I could read the movie reviews of this film in Japan in 1962. The story is compelling in many ways and must have been a big surprise to many in Japan. There are two main stories that are poignant and sad in a typical Japanese fashion. The consumptive samurai (Hirate Mike) has fled Edo and is eking out a living as a yojimbo for a rural yakuza boss. Hirate craves an honorable death and only finds solace in the sake bottle. Zaotichi has taken up the sword because he was treated with scorn as a blind masseur. The only lighter moments come in the love interest between Zatoichi and Tane.
I have watched this film numerous times. In the latest viewing i couldn't get over what a scum-ball Tate (Tane's brother) is. He has zero scruples, and at one point practically tells his yakuza elder to rape his sister! Thankfully Tate gets his just desserts in the last scene.
As others have mentioned, Zatoichi's cane sword doesn't see any real action until the fifty- second minute. This is a great film to learn more about Zatoichi's character. In one scene Zatoichi explains why he took up sword training.
This is a great film. The HVE Entertainment DVD is a great way to add this film to your personal film library.