The more familiar a Zatoichi film feels, the better. It allows them to weirdly enough pull out enough new challenges for the titular swordsman under new parameters if a lot of what builds up to the final climax is a familiar setup. The formula works even better now that Zatoichi as a character is a lot more mature. This is a Zatoichi who has learned how to play the game and how to handle himself and protect others. He’s not haunted by his past anymore, but is instead reminded of why he can’t have the life others wish he could have and has made peace with that.

The more familiar a Zatoichi film feels, the better. It allows them to weirdly enough pull out enough new challenges for the titular swordsman under new parameters if a lot of what builds up to the final climax is a familiar setup. The formula works even better now that Zatoichi as a character is a lot more mature. This is a Zatoichi who has learned how to play the game and how to handle himself and protect others. He’s not haunted by his past anymore, but is instead reminded of why he can’t have the life others wish he could have and has made peace with that.

This is Zatoichi at some of his darkest and most violent. He is actually challenged and not just a one-man slaughterhouse. However, the script as usual isn't very strong and not very consistent with the previous sequels (wdym Ichi was blind at 8 that doesn't make sense with previous statements.)

This is Zatoichi at some of his darkest and most violent. He is actually challenged and not just a one-man slaughterhouse. However, the script as usual isn't very strong and not very consistent with the previous sequels (wdym Ichi was blind at 8 that doesn't make sense with previous statements.)

This is Zatoichi at some of his darkest and most violent. He is actually challenged and not just a one-man slaughterhouse. However, the script as usual isn't very strong and not very consistent with the previous sequels (wdym Ichi was blind at 8 that doesn't make sense with previous statements.)

This is Zatoichi at some of his darkest and most violent. He is actually challenged and not just a one-man slaughterhouse. However, the script as usual isn't very strong and not very consistent with the previous sequels (wdym Ichi was blind at 8 that doesn't make sense with previous statements.)

This is so finding the balance oh my god
Much more akin to Zatoichi the Outlaw and it is really working 
From the more professional polish with the text and visuals to the deeper and more daring themes, it’s nice to see the series rounding off towards its end with consistent bangers 
Two-dimensional side characters have never worked so well, and even in their conventions lies something new 
I use two-dimensional as a positive here as they take a singular motivation or brand or image and use it to channel an aspect of the story, without complicating things 
Better yet, this still enhances the protagonists and main antagonists and adds layers to their depth as we focus on them, using these less important characters to drive their story

It seems very simple, but it can be really hit or miss for me and pretty much every instalment it’s been a hit, but here with ‘the fugitives’ pretty basic surface level stuff I wanted to show some extra appreciation for it

Otherwise hell yeah keep em coming 

Also the theme tune slaps so hard

This is so finding the balance oh my god
Much more akin to Zatoichi the Outlaw and it is really working 
From the more professional polish with the text and visuals to the deeper and more daring themes, it’s nice to see the series rounding off towards its end with consistent bangers 
Two-dimensional side characters have never worked so well, and even in their conventions lies something new 
I use two-dimensional as a positive here as they take a singular motivation or brand or image and use it to channel an aspect of the story, without complicating things 
Better yet, this still enhances the protagonists and main antagonists and adds layers to their depth as we focus on them, using these less important characters to drive their story

It seems very simple, but it can be really hit or miss for me and pretty much every instalment it’s been a hit, but here with ‘the fugitives’ pretty basic surface level stuff I wanted to show some extra appreciation for it

Otherwise hell yeah keep em coming 

Also the theme tune slaps so hard

Good new and bad news.

Good News: In the first Zatoichi film, they ask "Why not use a rifle to kill him?" It took them 18 movies to finally answer this question and surprisingly, he doesn't stop the bullet, and it actually wounds him. This shows us that he isn't the invincible super god that he's been made out to be and is only a human who can still get hurt just like everyone else.

Bad News: Calling it now that they're never going to fire another gun at him throughout the rest of the series.

Also, Jesus Christ is this film gory and bloody. Easily the best action out of any of the films.

Good new and bad news.

Good News: In the first Zatoichi film, they ask "Why not use a rifle to kill him?" It took them 18 movies to finally answer this question and surprisingly, he doesn't stop the bullet, and it actually wounds him. This shows us that he isn't the invincible super god that he's been made out to be and is only a human who can still get hurt just like everyone else.

Bad News: Calling it now that they're never going to fire another gun at him throughout the rest of the series.

Also, Jesus Christ is this film gory and bloody. Easily the best action out of any of the films.