1964·Action·1h 23m
7.1
★
Ichi travels to the village of Itakura to pay his respects at the grave of Kichizo, a man he killed two years ago. When some tax money is stolen while in transit to the governor he is accused and sets out to find the money and clear his name.
Directed by Kazuo Ikehiro
japan
samurai
corruption
yakuza
sequel
swordsman
zatoichi
jidaigeki
edo period
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Shintarō Katsu
Zatoichi
Shōgo Shimada
Chuji Kunisada
Mikiko Tsubouchi
Ochiyo
Machiko Hasegawa
Ogin
Tomisaburō Wakayama
Jushiro (as Jo Kenzaburo)
Tatsuya Ishiguro
Enzo
Matasaburô Niwa
Asataro
Saburo Date
Kōichi Mizuhara
Hiroshi Hayashi
Yūsaku Terashima
Ichirō Takakura
Crew
Kazuo Ikehiro
Director
Kazuo Miyagawa
Director of Photography
Yoshinobu Nishioka
Art Direction
Kan Shimozawa
Original Story
Popular Reviews
8 reviews
Gabriel Silva
9.8★ · 01/06/25
This is probably the best Zatoichi there is. Opening right out the gates with a stylistic depiction of Zatoichi’s skills, Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold showcases Kazuo Ikehiro’s visual flair. There’s just a lot in the way of strong visuals that liven up the Zatoichi series here while still remaining true to a lot of the series’ hallmarks up to this point. With so many films produced in such a short time, simplicity is the name of the game for the stories here, making it easier for a script to be passed around and for filming to continue uninterrupted between productions, allowing for several Zatoichi films to be released per year. One might assume that this would end up producing slop, but a lot of the films just keep getting better and better, one-note as the character may usually be.
Zatoichi may be flat, but an unchanging protagonist allows for their effect on the world around them to be felt more strongly. His kindness and understanding towards other people gives them an opportunity to pay it back in kind and this film exemplifies that. Zatoichi does not fight those who are justifiably angry, only those with a clear bloodlust in them that cause them to do harm to others, whether out of greed or out of sheer wrath. The macguffin of the gold chest allows us to see Zatoichi in more of an unfavorable position without threat of assassins coming after him and a bounty being put on his head. Having to clear his name along with that of a friend, Zatoichi has to act humbly and even play up his disability in order to curry the favor needed to properly enact justice.
Just visually stunning too. I will never forget the paper lantern scene as long as I live
Zatoichi may be flat, but an unchanging protagonist allows for their effect on the world around them to be felt more strongly. His kindness and understanding towards other people gives them an opportunity to pay it back in kind and this film exemplifies that. Zatoichi does not fight those who are justifiably angry, only those with a clear bloodlust in them that cause them to do harm to others, whether out of greed or out of sheer wrath. The macguffin of the gold chest allows us to see Zatoichi in more of an unfavorable position without threat of assassins coming after him and a bounty being put on his head. Having to clear his name along with that of a friend, Zatoichi has to act humbly and even play up his disability in order to curry the favor needed to properly enact justice.
Just visually stunning too. I will never forget the paper lantern scene as long as I live
This is probably the best Zatoichi there is. Opening right out the gates with a stylistic depiction of Zatoichi’s skills, Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold showcases Kazuo Ikehiro’s visual flair. There’s just a lot in the way of strong visuals that liven up the Zatoichi series here while still remaining true to a lot of the series’ hallmarks up to this point. With so many films produced in such a short time, simplicity is the name of the game for the stories here, making it easier for a script to be passed around and for filming to continue uninterrupted between productions, allowing for several Zatoichi films to be released per year. One might assume that this would end up producing slop, but a lot of the films just keep getting better and better, one-note as the character may usually be.
Zatoichi may be flat, but an unchanging protagonist allows for their effect on the world around them to be felt more strongly. His kindness and understanding towards other people gives them an opportunity to pay it back in kind and this film exemplifies that. Zatoichi does not fight those who are justifiably angry, only those with a clear bloodlust in them that cause them to do harm to others, whether out of greed or out of sheer wrath. The macguffin of the gold chest allows us to see Zatoichi in more of an unfavorable position without threat of assassins coming after him and a bounty being put on his head. Having to clear his name along with that of a friend, Zatoichi has to act humbly and even play up his disability in order to curry the favor needed to properly enact justice.
Just visually stunning too. I will never forget the paper lantern scene as long as I live
Zatoichi may be flat, but an unchanging protagonist allows for their effect on the world around them to be felt more strongly. His kindness and understanding towards other people gives them an opportunity to pay it back in kind and this film exemplifies that. Zatoichi does not fight those who are justifiably angry, only those with a clear bloodlust in them that cause them to do harm to others, whether out of greed or out of sheer wrath. The macguffin of the gold chest allows us to see Zatoichi in more of an unfavorable position without threat of assassins coming after him and a bounty being put on his head. Having to clear his name along with that of a friend, Zatoichi has to act humbly and even play up his disability in order to curry the favor needed to properly enact justice.
Just visually stunning too. I will never forget the paper lantern scene as long as I live
alex glifford
9.0★ · 09/13/24
First ichi rewatch and it’s come way way sooner than I excepted
The sudden uncontainable urge to watch one of these came over me and I wasn’t complaining
Idk what’s happened, I think it’s watching my fav from the series once more on its own and not a part of watching the overall series - but this slapped so hard
It’s actually dam near flawless
It completely understands itself and is ingeniously creative and uses its campiness to its full extent
It just feels so good to watch
It’s fun, looks fabulous and is driven by the morals of the characters so so clearly
Which is so satisfying and almost isn’t worth saying bc of how bare minimum that is
But I think that’s the benefit of watching it as a standalone thing, stripping away the full series can help the reoccurring types of characters and stuff feel original and interesting in a different way
Instead of being copied and pasted, the actions they take is driven by the story, rather than the repeated archetypes yk
Either way, it’s just a brilliant thing to see
One of my favourite films I think
Absolutely insane thing to say
But aw man I just owe it to this series and this film in particular
Everything you could want
The sudden uncontainable urge to watch one of these came over me and I wasn’t complaining
Idk what’s happened, I think it’s watching my fav from the series once more on its own and not a part of watching the overall series - but this slapped so hard
It’s actually dam near flawless
It completely understands itself and is ingeniously creative and uses its campiness to its full extent
It just feels so good to watch
It’s fun, looks fabulous and is driven by the morals of the characters so so clearly
Which is so satisfying and almost isn’t worth saying bc of how bare minimum that is
But I think that’s the benefit of watching it as a standalone thing, stripping away the full series can help the reoccurring types of characters and stuff feel original and interesting in a different way
Instead of being copied and pasted, the actions they take is driven by the story, rather than the repeated archetypes yk
Either way, it’s just a brilliant thing to see
One of my favourite films I think
Absolutely insane thing to say
But aw man I just owe it to this series and this film in particular
Everything you could want
First ichi rewatch and it’s come way way sooner than I excepted
The sudden uncontainable urge to watch one of these came over me and I wasn’t complaining
Idk what’s happened, I think it’s watching my fav from the series once more on its own and not a part of watching the overall series - but this slapped so hard
It’s actually dam near flawless
It completely understands itself and is ingeniously creative and uses its campiness to its full extent
It just feels so good to watch
It’s fun, looks fabulous and is driven by the morals of the characters so so clearly
Which is so satisfying and almost isn’t worth saying bc of how bare minimum that is
But I think that’s the benefit of watching it as a standalone thing, stripping away the full series can help the reoccurring types of characters and stuff feel original and interesting in a different way
Instead of being copied and pasted, the actions they take is driven by the story, rather than the repeated archetypes yk
Either way, it’s just a brilliant thing to see
One of my favourite films I think
Absolutely insane thing to say
But aw man I just owe it to this series and this film in particular
Everything you could want
The sudden uncontainable urge to watch one of these came over me and I wasn’t complaining
Idk what’s happened, I think it’s watching my fav from the series once more on its own and not a part of watching the overall series - but this slapped so hard
It’s actually dam near flawless
It completely understands itself and is ingeniously creative and uses its campiness to its full extent
It just feels so good to watch
It’s fun, looks fabulous and is driven by the morals of the characters so so clearly
Which is so satisfying and almost isn’t worth saying bc of how bare minimum that is
But I think that’s the benefit of watching it as a standalone thing, stripping away the full series can help the reoccurring types of characters and stuff feel original and interesting in a different way
Instead of being copied and pasted, the actions they take is driven by the story, rather than the repeated archetypes yk
Either way, it’s just a brilliant thing to see
One of my favourite films I think
Absolutely insane thing to say
But aw man I just owe it to this series and this film in particular
Everything you could want
Eclectic Sorcerer
8.0★ · 06/02/24
After taking a hiatus on the Zatoichi films, this one really reeled me back in. This was hilarious and Kazuo Ikehiro puts some of the most inspired cinematography in this series in his debut in this series. Like, I think this outdoes every prior film in terms of cinematography. The action is nice but kind of like 4 the slashes don't feel connecting, except that there is actually blood, that is pretty nice to have for once. Also I like that there is no romance, they were consistently the weakest parts.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
After taking a hiatus on the Zatoichi films, this one really reeled me back in. This was hilarious and Kazuo Ikehiro puts some of the most inspired cinematography in this series in his debut in this series. Like, I think this outdoes every prior film in terms of cinematography. The action is nice but kind of like 4 the slashes don't feel connecting, except that there is actually blood, that is pretty nice to have for once. Also I like that there is no romance, they were consistently the weakest parts.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
Eclectic Sorcerer
8.0★ · 06/02/24
After taking a hiatus on the Zatoichi films, this one really reeled me back in. This was hilarious and Kazuo Ikehiro puts some of the most inspired cinematography in this series in his debut in this series. Like, I think this outdoes every prior film in terms of cinematography. The action is nice but kind of like 4 the slashes don't feel connecting, except that there is actually blood, that is pretty nice to have for once. Also I like that there is no romance, they were consistently the weakest parts.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
After taking a hiatus on the Zatoichi films, this one really reeled me back in. This was hilarious and Kazuo Ikehiro puts some of the most inspired cinematography in this series in his debut in this series. Like, I think this outdoes every prior film in terms of cinematography. The action is nice but kind of like 4 the slashes don't feel connecting, except that there is actually blood, that is pretty nice to have for once. Also I like that there is no romance, they were consistently the weakest parts.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
Overall a great welcome back into the series for me that reminds me of why I like these movies and why I chose to watch besides me being a Fujitora from One Piece fan.
alex glifford
8.0★ · 02/24/24
Actually what I’m talking about !!!
This was toying around with bliddy top 50 material here
So wacky actually so wacky this is just the kind of outlandish storytelling this series needs it works so well
The wackiness works when it serves the story, there’s once or twice here where I’m confused why I’m watching what I’m watching instead of something explaining why we’ve just cut from one place to another, but it is weirdly charming
It’s very twisty turny but does tie up its loose ends for the most part
That’s defo a reoccurring theme tho is they’ll maybe dabble in a story to reach a wider audience (back when this would’ve been in theatres) then kinda leave it
It’s a bit annoying and can feel convoluted, but also works to add that unique flavour to the films that are really nice, you do just watch this guy wander into trouble and help those he feels he must and it’s so so fun here
Visually as well oh my god this one was outstanding
Had everything, could’ve just been cleaner
I feel I’ll watch the next 20 of these and wonder why they aren’t more like this one… unless they can top it which i pray they can because that would just be incredible
I could absolutely rewatch this one day and love it even more
This was toying around with bliddy top 50 material here
So wacky actually so wacky this is just the kind of outlandish storytelling this series needs it works so well
The wackiness works when it serves the story, there’s once or twice here where I’m confused why I’m watching what I’m watching instead of something explaining why we’ve just cut from one place to another, but it is weirdly charming
It’s very twisty turny but does tie up its loose ends for the most part
That’s defo a reoccurring theme tho is they’ll maybe dabble in a story to reach a wider audience (back when this would’ve been in theatres) then kinda leave it
It’s a bit annoying and can feel convoluted, but also works to add that unique flavour to the films that are really nice, you do just watch this guy wander into trouble and help those he feels he must and it’s so so fun here
Visually as well oh my god this one was outstanding
Had everything, could’ve just been cleaner
I feel I’ll watch the next 20 of these and wonder why they aren’t more like this one… unless they can top it which i pray they can because that would just be incredible
I could absolutely rewatch this one day and love it even more
Actually what I’m talking about !!!
This was toying around with bliddy top 50 material here
So wacky actually so wacky this is just the kind of outlandish storytelling this series needs it works so well
The wackiness works when it serves the story, there’s once or twice here where I’m confused why I’m watching what I’m watching instead of something explaining why we’ve just cut from one place to another, but it is weirdly charming
It’s very twisty turny but does tie up its loose ends for the most part
That’s defo a reoccurring theme tho is they’ll maybe dabble in a story to reach a wider audience (back when this would’ve been in theatres) then kinda leave it
It’s a bit annoying and can feel convoluted, but also works to add that unique flavour to the films that are really nice, you do just watch this guy wander into trouble and help those he feels he must and it’s so so fun here
Visually as well oh my god this one was outstanding
Had everything, could’ve just been cleaner
I feel I’ll watch the next 20 of these and wonder why they aren’t more like this one… unless they can top it which i pray they can because that would just be incredible
I could absolutely rewatch this one day and love it even more
This was toying around with bliddy top 50 material here
So wacky actually so wacky this is just the kind of outlandish storytelling this series needs it works so well
The wackiness works when it serves the story, there’s once or twice here where I’m confused why I’m watching what I’m watching instead of something explaining why we’ve just cut from one place to another, but it is weirdly charming
It’s very twisty turny but does tie up its loose ends for the most part
That’s defo a reoccurring theme tho is they’ll maybe dabble in a story to reach a wider audience (back when this would’ve been in theatres) then kinda leave it
It’s a bit annoying and can feel convoluted, but also works to add that unique flavour to the films that are really nice, you do just watch this guy wander into trouble and help those he feels he must and it’s so so fun here
Visually as well oh my god this one was outstanding
Had everything, could’ve just been cleaner
I feel I’ll watch the next 20 of these and wonder why they aren’t more like this one… unless they can top it which i pray they can because that would just be incredible
I could absolutely rewatch this one day and love it even more