Rating: 
Summary: Justice is blind, so is the hand that wields the sword
Review: "Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman" is as delicate a film as a feather to a sword. It follows the blind massuer of the title who has taken up the ways of the sword as he visits a gang leader on invitation and gets caught up in the imminent turmoil brewing with rival gang, Sasagawa. The film's plot is nothing new or original as far as the genre is concerned; it's one part "Yojimbo," one part "Sanjuro." However, the vivid focus on characterization leads this film into the realm of the unique. Unlike such films like "Yojimbo," where Toshiro Mifune served as the rough cutting tool to slice up carboard bad guys, Zatoichi brings the focus down to the characters, driving the story with quiet emotion and sub plot rather than rousing music and bloodshed. The film is already onto something interesting with it's quiet, almost enigmatic, blind hero, but then it pits him against an alcholic samurai who is looking for a good final duel to go out on. And what a duel it is, filling the width of the widescreen atop a ragged bridge in the middle of turf war. The only thing that would have made it more dramatic would have been rain, but with the emotions this film grants its characters and the relationships it builds between them, who needs rain? The film steadily progresses into a poetic, moralistic tale of lonliness, destiny, and responsibility for the choices we make in our lives. The story is simple, but it's point is as piercing as the blind massuer's sword. To that degree it's got Kurosawa beat.
Rating:
Summary: Justice is blind, so is the hand that wields the sword
Review: "Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman" is as delicate a film as a feather to a sword. It follows the blind massuer of the title who has taken up the ways of the sword as he visits a gang leader on invitation and gets caught up in the imminent turmoil brewing with rival gang, Sasagawa. The film's plot is nothing new or original as far as the genre is concerned; it's one part "Yojimbo," one part "Sanjuro." However, the vivid focus on characterization leads this film into the realm of the unique. Unlike such films like "Yojimbo," where Toshiro Mifune served as the rough cutting tool to slice up carboard bad guys, Zatoichi brings the focus down to the characters, driving the story with quiet emotion and sub plot rather than rousing music and bloodshed. The film is already onto something interesting with it's quiet, almost enigmatic, blind hero, but then it pits him against an alcholic samurai who is looking for a good final duel to go out on. And what a duel it is, filling the width of the widescreen atop a ragged bridge in the middle of turf war. The only thing that would have made it more dramatic would have been rain, but with the emotions this film grants its characters and the relationships it builds between them, who needs rain? The film steadily progresses into a poetic, moralistic tale of lonliness, destiny, and responsibility for the choices we make in our lives. The story is simple, but it's point is as piercing as the blind massuer's sword. To that degree it's got Kurosawa beat.
Rating:
Summary: a japanese western, but a sword instead of a gun
Review: Before clint eastwood rode the American west as the man with no name, righting injustice with a lightning quick draw, a blind swordsman name Zato Ichi wandered the historical landscape of japan, embodying basic values of fairness and, like Eastwood's character, vanishing off the stage at the movie's end (sometimes even with a setting sun). This DVD begins the Zato Ichi saga and sets the stage for all the rest to come (26 in all). The premise is delightfully outlandish. The character reminds me of the blind Marvel comic book hero "Daredevil," whose heightend sense of hearing allowed opponents to be located by the sound of their movement. Ichi never draws his sword first, but he is always the last man standing, as he takes on one opponent, two, three, four, etc. But for all his seeming superhero like qualities Zato Ichi is drawn in all too human ways and viewers will find themselves touched by a sensitive portrayal of a man who is isolated from the world and from any sustained relationships. His entire life is lived "in the dark." I do not know for sure, but I am guessing that the successful spagetti westerns that made eastwood's career were inspired by this earlier series. The plot of this first film will seem familiar, but the japanese setting lends the story an interesting slant that holds one's attention. And the acting of Shintaro Katsu raises the caliber of the movie to a level of delight. These films celebrate basic human values of honesty, trust and compassion. They also lift up more culturally slanted values of the Japanese culture like duty, "saving face," and honor. I enjoyed this film and will look forward to more to come. Having seen this before on television, I was especially pleased with the appearance of this B & W print and the well done subtitles. It has a great look. It tells a good story. And I can't think of a better way to pass an hour and a half on a rainy Saturday afternoon when I'm sitting at home with my dog.
Rating: 
Summary: FINALLY ON DVD
Review: Criterion in association with Janus Films has exquisitely remastered the first two of 26 sequels in the life and adventures of Japan's most popular and enduring cinematic hero, Zatoichi, the blind swordsman. A common man with an extraordinary skill and an even greater moral imperative. "THE TALE OF ZATOICHI" introduces the legendary character and its star, Shintaro Katsu. This film from 1962 also introduced a new era of samurai film. Zatoichi, a lowly blind masseur who practices in a small province gets caught in a turf war between rival yakuza gangs. Yakuza honcho Sukejuro, aware of Zatoichi's reputation with his deadly cane sword, tries to hire him -- unsuccessfully -- as a mercenary. Unfortunately, Shigezo, the other gang leader, has already hired a fierce warrior with an equally intimidating skill to challenge Zatoichi. Thus, the legend begins. The finely honed story is greatly enhanced by the stunningly choreographed action. The black and white widescreen picture looks great and the English subtitles are easy to read. Bonus material includes a gallery of original theatrical stills.
Rating:
Summary: Zatoichi, My Hero
Review: I enjoy watching all of these films, especially this one. I appreciate the lack of blood and gore, and the mere two swordswipes the hero uses to take out about four bad guys at once. I'm sure many of us long for a protector like this to vanquish evil in the world. Great acting and directing, with nice humourous elements woven into the tale. I also like that the words are not dubbed over with English. I think subtitles are the best way to go with these films to maintain the intentions and artistry of the filmmakers.
Rating:
Summary: I am hooked
Review: I ran across this series by accident on the internet, being a martial arts buff I was intriqued. I bought the first episode sight unseen. I was never so pleased with the caliber of the acting, story and characters as in Zatoichi. Ichi is a wonderful subject for short movies, it ran from 1962 to 1989. Over 100 shows were made for television and 29 movies. I ordered the second installment as soon as I finished the first. A nice action/drama to be enjoyed by all, my boys enjoyed it even in B/W. A must see!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Samurai Story & Series
Review: I really appreciate Home Vision Entertainments production of the Zatoichi movie series. Each release has been an excellent presentation of Zatoichi. As a Japenese Samurai Movie fan I think that this series of DVD's is the best. The character of Zatoichi is very compelling and each story helps you identify with this Blind Swordsman who is always trying to do good for others. The examples of Japenese culture during this time period is very beautiful and detailed. Shintaro Katsu displays a wide range of emotions as Zatoichi and his display of swordmanship is excellent.
Rating:
Summary: The first in a classic series!
Review: I spent many an idle Friday evening while I attended graduate school watching Japanese chambara films at the Francis Parker school in Chicago, where they showed two such epics for a multi-national audience. While the films were rarely subtitled, it made little difference. The dialogue can be deduced from watching the movie and it's not why you watch Zatoichi. The joys of this series are the incredible fight scenes, as the Blind Swordsman takes on all foes using his cane sword. These movies are the westerns of Japan. Don't come looking for a meaningful plot or deep messages. Just sit back and watch the fastest swordsman around deliver flashing vengeance! Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: A curiosity, certainly.
Review: I'm not an "Ichi-freak", as the liner notes call the fans. I came to this out of curiosity, especially considering that the low price combined with HVE meant a good transfer at the very least. Technically, this is quite good. The director makes some very interesting choices visually, and the acting is very strong. Also, HVE's subtitle crew has spoiled me; they're probably the best in the business these days. But, really, this isn't much more than an appetizer for the very similar "Yojimbo", and interesting as a prelude to the nihilistic and violent cinema that would come later; Zatoichi himself is simply a weary gunslinger, but the contempt the movie views both of the gangs with is telling. Zatoichi is an interesting anti-hero, but we get more talk about how incredible and skillful he is with his sword than we actually SEE on the screen, at least in this episode. So, if you're curious or a student of film, dig in. If you're just looking for a samurai flick, go for the great one and buy "Yojimbo."
Rating:
Summary: Ichi is on the scene
Review: In this first installment of the Zatoichi series we are introduced to a lovable blind rogue who is torn between his sence of honor and and his unwillingness to get involved in the affairs of two warring yakuza factions. In the midst of this he finds a true friend and love but must ultimately sacrifice it all. Ichi is indeed a lovable hero who as a messeuse is in the lower caste of society but is respected by people of all levels. While he is blind, his cane sword speaks for justice and for the downtrodden. I have seen five in the series and I am tying to get all of them in my collection. They are true classics which have a plot, character development and sizzeling sword play. After you see this film you will want to collect them too. A True Samurai fan
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