One of my favorite movies and characters, this first film established Shintaro Katsu as the eponymous Zatoichi, Japan’s answer to James Bond.
The formula is pretty much the same as the previously reviewed Zatoichi (1989) but features Masayo Banri as Otane, Zatoichi’s love interest for the first 3 films of the franchise (effectively a Bond girl for 3 films).
What is more memorable for this entry is the effectiveness of the writing and promoting yakuza in the post-war era in Japan. It wasn’t until later in the series where the directors started to highlight the negativity of criminal lifestyles. In addition, this is one of the few films where Zatoichi could have been defeated. With future films, he pretty much becomes invincible.
As you can see this is part of the Criterion Collection, again due to the cultural relationship. Jidaigeki films (think Japanese westerns) are effectively period pieces. Katsu in this film and the immediately following film, uses full period specific costumes and weaponry. Later in the series, as the budget and production increased, the costumes and set design was modernized.
Overall, I prefer this film over Yojimbo as a better introduction to jidaigeki.
Rescreened February 20, 2023 with special help.
