I recently revisited The Tale of Zatoichi (1962) on a random streaming service. This samurai genre masterpiece tells the tale of Zatoichi, a wandering blind samurai, whose legendary swordsmanship knows no equal. When a town falls under the oppressive rule of local outlaws, Zatoichi takes matters into his own hands. He first outwits them at the gambling table and then shows them no mercy in the streets.
Directed by the legendary Kenji Misumi (Shogun Assassin), this film stars the iconic Shintarô Katsu (Hanzo the Razor), along with supporting cast members Masayo Banri (Black Trump Card), Ryûzô Shimada (Kojiro's Turning Swallow Cut), Shigeru Amachi (The Ghost of Yotsuya), and Manabu Morita (Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance).
Shintarô Katsu delivers an exceptional samurai performance, portraying Zatoichi as charming, fatherly, a cunning trickster, deadly, and a womanizer to perfection. His portrayal makes Zatoichi an irresistible character to root for. The well-written dialogue and engaging circumstances add depth to the story. The gambling scenes and interactions with the young boy and entertaining. While the film starts as a slow burn, the action culminates magnificently towards the rewarding ending.
In conclusion, The Tale of Zatoichi stands as an epic masterpiece within the samurai genre, largely due to Shintarô Katsu's tremendous performance. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.
Directed by the legendary Kenji Misumi (Shogun Assassin), this film stars the iconic Shintarô Katsu (Hanzo the Razor), along with supporting cast members Masayo Banri (Black Trump Card), Ryûzô Shimada (Kojiro's Turning Swallow Cut), Shigeru Amachi (The Ghost of Yotsuya), and Manabu Morita (Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance).
Shintarô Katsu delivers an exceptional samurai performance, portraying Zatoichi as charming, fatherly, a cunning trickster, deadly, and a womanizer to perfection. His portrayal makes Zatoichi an irresistible character to root for. The well-written dialogue and engaging circumstances add depth to the story. The gambling scenes and interactions with the young boy and entertaining. While the film starts as a slow burn, the action culminates magnificently towards the rewarding ending.
In conclusion, The Tale of Zatoichi stands as an epic masterpiece within the samurai genre, largely due to Shintarô Katsu's tremendous performance. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.