Zatoichi: The Festival of Fire

Rating:
Summary: Zatoichi meets the Caped Crusador
Review: Having gone through all the Zatoichi DVD's at the local video store several times, I was compelled to purchase the titles missing from their stock. I purchased this and Zatoichi at large. I must admit I thought this to be the weakest of all the Zatoichi series up to this point. The film at times seems to be slightly out of character as it borders on parody. The fight scenes featuring Zatoichi are comical and unbelievable. Especially in the bathhouse, I almost expected to see animated BAM and POW flash across the screen ala Batman, (however, the fighting style of the Samurai trailing Zatoichi was superb). The film seems to go on in this vain with an over the top villain and the climactic "Festival of Fire". Perhaps, taking in the complete series this may be a welcome break from the other films. The film definitely has its moments and some good characters, but seemed to me to be directed in a more modern style which reminded me of the 2003 release at times. Is it a bad movie? Heavens no. The film is growing on me. But I would recommend renting this film first, if like me you choose not to own the entire series but rather a few choice selections. In general I'm not as pleased with the Animeigo releases. As for Zatoichi the Outlaw... 5 stars!

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST ZATOICHI MOVIE in the 70's!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Here are the goods and bads:

GOODS:
* PERFECT cinematoghraphy (just like Lord of the Rings)
* Good final fight.
* The bad guy is very similar to a evil samurai in japanese animation!
* Zatoichi is surrounded by fire.
* FAST movements by Shintaro Katsu (Zatoichi).
* Zatoichi fights 30 men at the end.

BADS:
* The final fight was good but not AWESOME as "Zatoichi meets the one armed swordman".

P.S: Many people are telling me that "Zatoichi the Outlaw" is the best but the film was made in the late 60's, I really don't trust in the 60's production because I saw "Zatoichi Zamatarian" in 1968 and the movie didn't have the best camera movements as the 70's cameras. But I will give it a try some of this days to watch "The Outlaw".

Adios!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Best Yet
Review: I've seen quite a few of the Zatoichi series and I have to admit that this is the best so far. It has substance and ability to hold one's attention for the entire duration of the film.

Rating:
Summary: Asian film noir
Review: I've seen several films in the Zatoichi, and I have to rate this as the best. I could see several ties to film noir in this movie, from the outlaw connections and shady bosses (never named) to the femme fatales and grey-shaded hero.

I was particularly drawn to the unnnamed Husband that shadows Zatoichi throughout the movie - here was a man honor-bound to avenge the "treachery" of his wife, and even when Zatoichi tells him that nothing occurred between them, the Husband's honor must be upheld. Driven increasingly eratic by his knowledge, the man pursues his enemy, even helping the blind swordsman when it appears that Zatoichi's life is in danger. After all, none but him may have the honor of slaying our hero. Their final fight is one of the most emotional that I have ever seen.

Zatoichi's closing words are chilling, not because he's moving on, but because he's (unsuccessfully) convincing himself that everything is fine. The blind swordsman is emotionally drained from the resolution of the conflict, and it will be some time before he can open up that much of himself again.

Rating:
Summary: another zatoichi hit
Review: If you are a zatoichi fan you will love this one. We have all of the DVDs released to date and this one ranks up there with our favorite zatoichi movies.