sentimental, and just immense respect. the subtle micro expression acting is top tier

sentimental, and just immense respect. the subtle micro expression acting is top tier

Zatoichi is such a mensch! The plot is a typical samurai gang war story that you'd expect, but it's really the main character that elevates it to something special. I particularly love the dynamic with Hirate, that's the highlight of the whole movie. Also, as a Godzilla fan, the score is so recognizably Akira Ifukube that it made me smile. I can see why this character became so popular, though how they made around twenty-five more of these? That's an answer worth some discovery. Also I've had this boxset for years and I really need to watch more of what I own, so that's a good incentive too.

Zatoichi is such a mensch! The plot is a typical samurai gang war story that you'd expect, but it's really the main character that elevates it to something special. I particularly love the dynamic with Hirate, that's the highlight of the whole movie. Also, as a Godzilla fan, the score is so recognizably Akira Ifukube that it made me smile. I can see why this character became so popular, though how they made around twenty-five more of these? That's an answer worth some discovery. Also I've had this boxset for years and I really need to watch more of what I own, so that's a good incentive too.

Just found out this series is 26 movies long

Zatoichi List
[](https://boxd.it/QPr8)

Just found out this series is 26 movies long

Zatoichi List
[](https://boxd.it/QPr8)

This, the first entry in the 26-film (plus TV series, plus books, plus-plus-plus) Zatoichi saga, is less a chop-em-up samurai bloodbath and more a character study of an utterly lethal, but ultimately kind, man who embodies the concept of honor and service.

Doughy and awkward around people as he is, the only people who don't respect this masseur-turned-sword for hire are the people who don't know him. You can see how his moral code and quiet capability informed a generation of young men, and became a central part of Japan's national culture.

The story itself doesn't reinvent the wheel; you can see the ending coming an hour out. But that doesn't take away from the joy of watching this well-executed little Japanese Western. I'm excited to dive deeper into his saga.

This, the first entry in the 26-film (plus TV series, plus books, plus-plus-plus) Zatoichi saga, is less a chop-em-up samurai bloodbath and more a character study of an utterly lethal, but ultimately kind, man who embodies the concept of honor and service.

Doughy and awkward around people as he is, the only people who don't respect this masseur-turned-sword for hire are the people who don't know him. You can see how his moral code and quiet capability informed a generation of young men, and became a central part of Japan's national culture.

The story itself doesn't reinvent the wheel; you can see the ending coming an hour out. But that doesn't take away from the joy of watching this well-executed little Japanese Western. I'm excited to dive deeper into his saga.

Extremely slow start to one of the greatest series in cinema history, the first movie in the Zatoichi series is still worth a watch, if only to see the beginning of such an iconic character, and Shintaro Katsu’s legendary portrayal. There are far better movies to come, so stay patient and prepare for a wonderful ride.

Extremely slow start to one of the greatest series in cinema history, the first movie in the Zatoichi series is still worth a watch, if only to see the beginning of such an iconic character, and Shintaro Katsu’s legendary portrayal. There are far better movies to come, so stay patient and prepare for a wonderful ride.