Excellent filming for 1968. More drama than action.

DVDs:


	• Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 18 - Zatoichi and the Fugitives Shintarô Katsu, Kayo Mikimoto Homevision, 2004 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
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#18: DARKER AND MORE REALISTIC VILLIANS

One of the major differences in this Zatocihi episode from previous ones is that the "bad-guys" seem to be more realistic in this film. In many of the past Ichi films the villians seemed liked bumbling idiots. In this one, director Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who directed several of the Zatocihi episodes, gives the villians a more realistic feeling. Also, the film is quite brutal. And although there is the standard Zatoichi fare that follows almost all of the episodes, this one stands out with just a little bit more in violence.[Such as chopped off limbs]

One of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema is also in the film: [Takashi Shimura] of "Ikiru" fame stars as Dr.Junan. It is always a treat to see him in any film. And especially in the Zatoichi series. The cinemantography is not as good as many of the earlier episodes, or the later ones for that matter. Little of the Japanese countryside is shown in the film. Also, there is less humor from Ichi that had become his established trademark in earlier episodes. And as for Ichi's cane-sword, well fans of his will not be disappointed in his usual high body count at the end of the film. I found the film highly enjoyable [not great] but enjoyable, and would recommend it to all.

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Excellent filming for 1968. More drama than action.

This is just one of many in this series. If you like Japanese culture in the samurai era then you might find this entertaining. The main character Zatoichi is a blind wandering masseur. He has connections with gangsters who usually seek him for his ability with his cane sword others fear him for the same reason. Zatoichi is a very lovable character. you will find yourself wanting to see his many other adventures. I would recommend this video for anyone adding to their foreign film collection.

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The Dark Side

As a lifelong Ichi-San fan (I saw the original TV series in Japan!) I am a little more objective than most about this episode. Chambara and Jidei Geki fans have been spoon fed the colorful myths and fairy tales about Tokugawa era Japan and Japanese life under Bushido. Life was terribly harsh on the rural, working Japanese. The Zatoichi films and maybe "Ugetsu" are the only films to show how life really was for the "little people". There was no glory, just harsh and deadly reality. If this film is dark and upsetting, it is because it is true to the way life was at that time. I highly recommend it to those who want to see how the Japanese villager had to live. If you want pretty costumes, Court Life and the mythical spiritualism of Bushido, skip this one. It will upset you.

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Zatoichi falls in with a group of bandits in a small village. From their hiding place, the criminals control the town?s activities through a corrupt police official, who runs the town?s sweatshop where young women are forced to work in brutal slavery. Zatoichi steps in to deal with the gang in this thrilling nonstop action film, which features dazzling swordplay, superb performances, and a thrilling climax.