Zatôichi

This is the second Zatoichi film I watched after Zatoichi vs the One Armed Swordsman.. it was better than the one I watched earlier.. a lot of scene with added CGI make it better although the CGI might be dodgy or low budget but all it lacks he make it up in acting.. the plot is Zatoichi saves the small village terrorised by two Yakuza clan and the Naruto family vengeance by both brothers and Sisters act as geisha... every character depicted in the movie is interesting from the Ronin to the aunt... initially I was going to rate the movie 8 but the closing act of dancing and the song make me rate it a bit higher.

Kitano's update on the legacy of one of Japan's most iconic cinematic figures is an exhilarating watch, the more tender moments conflicted by a barrage of bloody violence. Takeshi remains true to his source, undergoing the sedate transformation to play the blind swordsman and part time masseuse Zatoichi himself, as well as co-ordinating the action. His purists will no doubt abhor the witty sense of fun laid on thick in certain characters (a gambling sidekick and an insane neighbour) and the little nuances of irreverent genius (a drum dancing soundtrack and a ho-down finale orchestrated by Japanese dance troupe 'the Stripes'), but this isn't the Yakuza bloodletting of his earlier films, rather a more charming reflection on feudal life, with a distinct post-modern twist. Further confirmation of this is provided by Takeshi's story, which focuses more on the plight of two avenging Geishas (one male) hunting for the prestigious killers of their parents, rather than the motivation for our titular hero, yet Zatoichi does leap into action when he agrees to assist the siblings. Each frame is a Kurosawa-esquire masterstroke. This is Zatoichi for a new era, and with such a breathtaking start, it will be hard for Kitano not to return to his new-found alter ego any time soon.

The story of the blind swordsman Zatoichi should be well known to most aficionados of Japanese cinema. I was thrilled when i heard that Takeshi Kitano (of all people) would be making a re-make of the classic series. And i was not disappointed.

The blind masseur/swordsman Zatoichi stumbles upon a lone widow when he comes walking in the countryside. He helps her carry a basket and she tells him of her problems while he is invited to stay with her. The local town is plagued by a war between different criminal factions and the protection rates are constantly going up. Soon two geishas also arrive in town with their own agenda, linked to one of the warring gangs.

Zatoichi is a beautiful film in my opinion. Everything from photography and scenery to music is exceptionally well tuned to the mood of the film. Also the action sequences are very well made, the fencing well choreographed and nicely shot. What distracted me somewhat though is the use of liquid animation for the blood. There is almost no usual fake blood in this movie, rather it's liquid animation-blood spraying when people are stabbed. This looks odd, but it's still a minor distraction.

Zatoichi feels both like a nice tribute to 60's and 70's samurai-films as well as a fresh take on the genre. Both modern and classic, which is one of the finest compliments i feel you can give a movie like this one. I enjoyed it very much and i rate it 7/10.

Another retelling of one of Japan's longest running fictional characters. For what I understand, there is over 25 films and tv series based on this character. Even a Hollywood made a version of this in 1990 as 'Blind Fury', starring the late Rutger Hauer.

I quite liked this version, directed and starring Takeshi Kitano (aka Beat Takeshi). His productions and acting are usually quite poised and composed, which may not appeal to some. Some of the production values are probably not up to scratch by today's standards, but this is forgivable nonetheless.

I rate this 7.5/10, but as I can't do half scores here. So I'm rounding up.

It is fantastic movie. I surprised that actors plays "Batto-Jutsu" which uses Japanese swords and battles with enemy. It is Japanese traditional act, but I had never seen such a beautiful and cool act. It is action and a period film. However, it is little grotesque because there are bloody scene in it, so I was little scary. The director is Takeshi Kitano. This movie is full of entertainment and some scene like musical. Actors dance tap dance with wearing "Geta" which is Japanese traditional shoes. It was amazing. I like that musical scene. Very rhythmical and powerful scene will make people enjoyable. I recommend to watch it not only Japanese people but also foreigner. I think this movie holds Japanese traditions and new entertainment.