Even with my eyes wide open, I can’t see a thing.
The character of Zatoichi, a blind swordsman conceived by writer Kan Shimozawa, is deeply engraved in Japanese popular culture and remains a cultural icon similar to Tora-san and Godzilla. Throughout the period between 1962 and 1989 the character was played by an acclaimed actor Shintaro Katsu in 26 theatrical movies and 100 episode-long TV show. The 2003 Shochiku production is both a stand-alone movie and an homage to the classic series.
The character of Zatoichi, a blind swordsman conceived by writer Kan Shimozawa, is deeply engraved in Japanese popular culture and remains a cultural icon similar to Tora-san and Godzilla. Throughout the period between 1962 and 1989 the character was played by an acclaimed actor Shintaro Katsu in 26 theatrical movies and 100 episode-long TV show. The 2003 Shochiku production is both a stand-alone movie and an homage to the classic series.
Release Info
Directed by: Takeshi Kitano Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Yuko Daike, Michiyo Okusu, Akira Emoto
Language: Japanese Original Title: 座頭市 Runtime: 116 min
Zatoichi (Takeshi Kitano) is a blind masseur who roams through the Japanese countryside. He reaches a small town which is torn between rivaling yakuza gangs. The war for influence pushes ordinary citizens into poverty as the gangs take over businesses and demand extraordinary amounts of protection money. Zatoichi joins forces with other people who have enough of this exploitation and takes a stand against the gangsters.
I have frequently heard about this movie over the years, even more so than about the Shintaro Katsu series. Allegedly, Takeshi Kitano made this movie in order to prove that he can make an entertaining action flick. Indeed, Zatoichi is a radical departure from Takeshi’s slow-paced, existential style. The director/writer/actor/editor created the world of flashing blades, ruthless gangsters, and dancing villagers.
Kitano stated in an exhaustive being-the-scenes documentary that he wanted the movie to be dynamic and look like a computer game. He certainly achieved his intention with many amazing fight sequences and gripping cinematography. The scenes at the inn or at Aunt Oume’s house are simply beautiful.
What is more, keep an eye out for the final scene. I was totally surprised that Kitano put a Broadway-like number in his movie. It is a ridiculous fun to watch. My respect goes to The Stripes troupe who pulled this off.
With regard to performances, the cast of this movie is outstanding. Takeshi Kitano provides a rougher interpretation of Zatoichi, devoid of happy-go-lucky vibes and musings about morality. Another great performance is that of Yuko Daike as Okinu, a woman who wants to avenge the death of her parents (She looked exactly like Ruriko Asaoka from Goyokin (1969)). There are also great supporting parts done by such veterans as Ittoku Kishibe, Michiyo Okusu, and Akira Emoto.
I highly recommend Zatoichi to chanbara lovers and ordinary viewers. Takeshi Kitano’s take on the blind swordsman story is definitely unique and extremely engaging. Even though I’m a fan of Shintaro Katsu movies, I am a little disappointed that we did not get a sequel to Kitano’s version. At least, there was Ichi (2008), but it is a subject for another review.
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