Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 6 - Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold

Rating:
Summary: One of the best of the series
Review: Actually I think this is far better than the previous Zatoichi outings. Visually it's a stunning film that ranks among the great action films of all time but could be hung as stills in any art museum. Hokusai & Hiroshige influences abound.

Yet best of all is the unforgettable character Zatoichi himself. Shintaro Katsu created an everyman/superhero who had no equal, at least in western culture. A squat, homely, bandy-legged self-deprecating blind man full of humor & humility & an abundance of spirituality. And could he make that sword dance.

These movies have no equal. Each one is as perfectly made as any movie can be. I used to go see them when they first appeared in the theaters of San Francisco & Los Angeles Japanese neighborhoods. I still love them every bit as much now.

Rating:
Summary: Can't miss with a hard drinking highly skilled swordsman
Review: As always, this movie gives you all you want in the zatoichi vein, the emmotional women, the amazing swordsmanship, and the numerous opportunities for Zatoichi to display the character that lasted him thru so many movies. Mixed up in the search for a lost chest of gold, thieves, and crooked goverment officials, Zatoichi saves the day in his unsual manner. Not quite as good as the first ones but still worth the price

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Zatoichi Flick
Review: When I was younger I used to hunt down grainy copies of the Zatoichi series which were poorly subtitled and poorly transferred on VHS. I was very pleased to see this quality cinema transferred to DVD and given the respect it deserves. The Zatoichi Series, though it declined at the beginning of the seventies, remains some of the greatest drama/action in cinema history; at least according to my opinion. The seventies saw a drastic change in Japanese culture, and the movie industry became more sexual and trashy. The 1960's saw the greatest in cinematography, plot, and character development- far surpassing anything Hollywood was doing during that time. This Zatoichi episode is a classic which pits Ichi against some fierce bandits, and a mission to clear his name with a village of farmers. The chambara here is excellent, and the ethics of Ichi are highly pronounced. I look forward to more DVD transfers of the Zatoichi series.