Weakest so far. It really feels like they were trying too hard to make a more comedic film and, while I don’t dislike the lying monk, the concept got old very quickly the more and more one-note he felt. If there was more depth to his character I would’ve cared more, but ultimately a lot of the film is just too bloated. The fog sword fight is fantastic, though, truly beautiful and standout in comparison to how the rest of the film looks.

Weakest so far. It really feels like they were trying too hard to make a more comedic film and, while I don’t dislike the lying monk, the concept got old very quickly the more and more one-note he felt. If there was more depth to his character I would’ve cared more, but ultimately a lot of the film is just too bloated. The fog sword fight is fantastic, though, truly beautiful and standout in comparison to how the rest of the film looks.

Nothing is better than when I’m in the mood for one of these 
It just hits
The action just gets better every film, its clear the cast and crew have some real system down by now surely to get it as crisp as they can while they churn out like 4 a year 
Its just fun I love all the twists and turns and the funny moments and then suddenly the intense moments
The main stand out for this one has to be the main side character
He was genuinely funny, and then actually a decently compelling character - which is interesting as these normally thrive on their VERY 2 dimensional characters as it works for the wackiness etc etc
But here he had more depth and it didn’t take away from his eccentricity or anything
Felt nice and fresh
Another solid solid solid instalment very happy

Nothing is better than when I’m in the mood for one of these 
It just hits
The action just gets better every film, its clear the cast and crew have some real system down by now surely to get it as crisp as they can while they churn out like 4 a year 
Its just fun I love all the twists and turns and the funny moments and then suddenly the intense moments
The main stand out for this one has to be the main side character
He was genuinely funny, and then actually a decently compelling character - which is interesting as these normally thrive on their VERY 2 dimensional characters as it works for the wackiness etc etc
But here he had more depth and it didn’t take away from his eccentricity or anything
Felt nice and fresh
Another solid solid solid instalment very happy

I think this might be my favorite for one specific reason: the ending battle was the first time, in this entire series, where it felt like Zatoichi might've met his match. The cinematography and music reflected that perfectly, and it actually was tense to watch.

I think this might be my favorite for one specific reason: the ending battle was the first time, in this entire series, where it felt like Zatoichi might've met his match. The cinematography and music reflected that perfectly, and it actually was tense to watch.