This film sees the blind swordsman Zatoichi arriving in a village where he meets Shushi Ohara, a samurai who no longer carries a sword but is still capable of defending himself. He is trying to help the peasants by encouraging them to stop gambling and drinking; something that is upsetting the local boss who has been fleecing them. Another boss appears to be more altruistic but he has his own devious plan to take the peasants' land. Inevitably Zatoichi eventually comes to the aid of the peasants even though he initially trusted the 'good' boss.
As I've not seen many Zatoichi films, and this is the oldest one I've seen so far I can't compare it to the earlier films but I will say I enjoyed it; it certainly isn't necessary to have seen other films in the series to understand what is going on. The story is easy enough to follow and there is plenty of impressive action. Some of this is pretty bloody as limbs and heads get severed occasionally. Zatoichi is an interesting protagonist; he isn't always right and his mistakes have real consequences; Shintaro Katsu does a fine job in the role. As well as good action there are a few laughs to be had along the way.
These comments are based on watching the film in Japanese with English subtitles.
As I've not seen many Zatoichi films, and this is the oldest one I've seen so far I can't compare it to the earlier films but I will say I enjoyed it; it certainly isn't necessary to have seen other films in the series to understand what is going on. The story is easy enough to follow and there is plenty of impressive action. Some of this is pretty bloody as limbs and heads get severed occasionally. Zatoichi is an interesting protagonist; he isn't always right and his mistakes have real consequences; Shintaro Katsu does a fine job in the role. As well as good action there are a few laughs to be had along the way.
These comments are based on watching the film in Japanese with English subtitles.