Selected Zatoichi Flicks

Zatoichi- Zatoichi Challenged
While on a journey to the town of Maebara, Zatoichi, the wandering masseur and swordsman, shares a room at an inn with a gravely ill woman and her young son, Ryota. During the night, the woman’s condition worsens and in her dying breath, she pleads with our hero to take the child to his father in Maebara. Arriving at their destination, the unlikely pair soon discover Ryota’s father confined and forced by the local yakuza boss to work in an illegal trade. Standing in the way of his rescue is a mysterious master swordsman. Will Zatoichi risk his life for a helpless young boy and his innocent father? Need we ask? One of the most popular in the series, this adventure later inspired the film, "Blind Fury" with Rutger Hauer in the title role as the zen-like blind swordsman. Color/87 Minutes English Subtitles 1967

Zatoichi- The Adventures of a Blind Man
With the New Year soon approaching, Zatoichi, the blind masseur and swordsman, is on his way to Kasama town for the holiday festivities. Although the inns in town are full, our hero manages to find shared accommodations with some kindly travelers. Ichi later discovers one of his inn-mates to be a young girl named Osaki who is searching for her missing father. It appears that Osaki’s father, a village leader, mysteriously disappeared while traveling to Edo to protest the oppressive rule of the local magistrate. The magistrate, Kashima, allied with gangsters led by Boss Jimbei, is responsible for killing Osaki’s father. The murder was a desperate attempt to keep the government from discovering their crimes of murder, extortion, and terror at the expense of the frightened townspeople. Always a champion of the weak, Zatoichi and his deadly cane sword are again caught up in a web of intrigue, bloody sword fights, and death. Color/86 Minutes Subtitled 1965

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman and the Fugitives

In this adventure, the blind masseur Zatoichi agrees to massage a bunch of ruffians who are actually thieves and killers led by the infamous gangster, Genpachiro. The thugs don't really want a massage, merely a victim to slowly torture in fun. Alas, they are saved from certain death at the hands of Zatoichi when their leader returns and ends their game. Aware that the mild mannered masseur is an expert swordsman, Genpachiro avoids a fight and leaves to seek refuge with the local Yazuka gang boss, Matsugoro, who conveniently is also an officer of the law. Upon joining forces, both gangs soon begin a reign of terror over the entire countryside. Zatoichi, always protector of the innocent is again caught in the fray and soon confronts deadly swords, razor sharp throwing daggers and unexpected gunfire! Severely wounded and outnumbered Zatoichi is in a fight for his very life!

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman and the Chess Expert
On the way to Mt.Fuji to ring in the New Year, Zatoichi meets a masterless samurai named Jumonji, and expert chess player. Because Zatoichi also plays the game well, Jumonji befriends the blind masseur and they soon become traveling companions. They board a ship for Enoshima Island, the pair soon become accosted by the hoods and in the ensuing sword fight, an innocent young girl is seriously injured. Taking full responsibility for the girl's misfortune, Zatoichi later gambles all of his money to pay for expensive medicine needed for a cure. Is Jumonji a friend or foe? Zatoichi soon discovers that chess is not his only passion...Jumonji is an accomplished killer!87 minutes with English subtitles, 1965.

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman's Revenge
In this adventure, Zatoichi, the itinerant masseur and swordsman, decides to visit the man who taught him the art of massage. But to his dismay, Ichi learns his old teacher, Hikonoichi, was murdered while traveling to Kyoto to receive the high rand of Kengyo or Master Masseur. To make matters worse, Hikonoichi’s only daughter, Osayo, is now at a brothel owned by local yokuza boss Tatsugoro. Apparently Tatsugoro loaned Hikonichi 100 gold coins for his journey and has since taken Osayo as repayment for the loan. Suspecting foul play and treachery, Zatoichi’s vows to rescue the helpless Osayo and avenge his mentor’s murder. COLOR/84 MINUTES ENGLISH SUBTITLES 1965

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman's Vengeance
Zatoichi (Shintaro Katsu), the blind masseur and wandering gambler, stumbles upon a gang of thieves huddled over a dying man. A master swordsman, Zatoichi effortlessly mows down the evil band with one lightning stroke. In his final gasp the dying man pleads with his rescuer to deliver a bag of money to someone named Taichi. On a mission to fulfill a dying man's final request, our hero finds himself again on the road of adventure. Color 83 minutes/English subtitles 1966.

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman's Cane Sword
In this adventure, Zatoichi, the blind gambler and swordsman, hitches a ride with an acting troupe on their way to the town of Tonda. Upon arriving, he discovers the place overrun by Yakuza. Undaunted by the gangsters or their crooked dice game, Zatoichi proceeds to win a bagful of gold coins. In retaliation, the thugs attempt to kill the blind man but are instead slain with a flash of his cane sword. A retired swordsmith named Senzo observes the fight and marvels at the blind man’s skill. Examining the cane sword, he discovers it to be forged by his old teacher. Senzo declares the sword’s life to be over as it will surely break when claiming its next victim. Shocked and confused, Zatoichi swears off killing forever and leaves the sword with Senzo for safe keeping. Will our hero kill again…or instead face death unarmed and alone? Color/93 Minutes Subtitled 1967

Zatoichi- Zatoichi's Flashing Sword
While taking flight from gangsters seeking revenge, Zatoichi, the wandering masseur and gambler, finds himself caught in a volatile feud between rival yakuza bosses. Headquartered on opposite sides of a large river near the town of Kajikazawa, the bitter rivals are at odds over the rights to ferry passengers across the waterway. One group is led by the benevolent Boss Bunkichi Tsumugi who owns the ferry franchise. The other gang is headed by the devious boss "Stammering" Yasu who wants the ferry business for himself. Yasu uses every means necessary, from bribery to murder, in his attmept to wrest control of the franchise from Tsumugi. As expected, Zatoichi sides with the kindly Tusmugi who welcomes him in his home, not suspecting the blind masseur is a in fact a notorious swordsman. Fireworks soon erupt over the skies of Kajikazawa in celebration of the O-bon season, as well as at the river bank where Zatoichi confronts the evil gangsters and their mercenary sword-fighters in a bloody showdown! Color 82 minutes/English subtitles 1964

Zatoichi- Life and Opinion of Masseur Ichi
The longest running, most successful series in Japanese film history featured an unlikely hero, the blind masseur and gambler, Zatoichi. Expertly portrayed by Shintaro Katsu for well over a decade, the Zatoichi character became an instant favorite with this, the very first installment. This classic samurai film set the tone for the many that followed with its exquisite story-telling and breath-taking action. Zatoichi finds himself caught in a bloody feud between rival gangs in the small province of Shimosa. Each is vying for supremacy, with yakuza Boss Sukegoro of Iioka desperately seeking the blind man’s services, knowing he is a skilled swordsman. Sensing an all out bloodbath may occur at any moment, the rival gang boss, Shigezo of Sasagawa, has hired his own swordfighter, a samurai named Hirate. Warring yakuza gangs, deadly mercenary swordsmen, honor and duty…all of the elements that have made the Zatoichi films loved worldwide are here. The odyssey begins. Black & White 96 Minutes/English subtitles 1962

Zatoichi- Masseur Ichi and a Chest of Gold
Zatoichi, the itinerant blind massuer-gambler, travels to Itakura Village to pay respects at the grave site of a gambler killed in a sword fight several years ago. Despit his efforts to avoid it, trouble always seems to find our mild-mannered hero. Serving as ample proof are countless graves of his victims that dot he countryside. In this adventure, Zatoichi is mistakenly accused as an accomplice in the robbery of gold meant to pay village taxes. He also discovers that a longtime friend, the benevolent Yazuka chief, Boss Chuji, ia also framed in the robbery. An intruiging game of cat and mouse ensures in providing the innocence of both men and recovering the stolen gold coins. The key role of the samurai killer, Jushiro, is played by Tomisburo Wakayama who at the time went by the name of Kenzaburo Joh. Interestingly, Wakayama is the real-life brother of Shintaro Katsu and later gains fame starring in the popular Lone Wolf samurai film series.

Zatoichi- Masseur Ichi Enters Again
On his way to the village of his youth, Zatoichi, the blind masseur and gambler, has a chance meeting with his former teacher, Yajuro Banno. It was Banno, a master swordsman, who some four years ago taught Ichi the art of the lightning-fast draw. Elated to see Ichi again, Banno invites him to visit his home, which he shares with his yournger sister, Yayoi. Discovering Ichi to be a kind and gentle man, Yayoi soon falls in love with him, much to the chagrin of her brother. But everything is not what it seems as Banno is found to be deeply involved in a kidnapping plot and extortion. Again torn between love and justice, will Ichi’s plans of marriage succeed or must he risk all to challenge his old friend and teacher to a duel to the death? COLOR/91 MINUTES ENGLISH SUBTITLES 1963

Zatoichi- Masseur Ichi on the Road
A fight is brewing between rival yakuza bosses, and Zatoichi, the blind masseur and gambler, again finds himself caught in the middle. Notorious as a deadly swordsman, our seemingly docile hero is wooed by both gangs to join the upcoming battle. But Zatoichi is soon side-tracked when he agrees to escort a runaway chambermaid back home. As was the custom of the day, Omitsu, the young daughter of a rich merchant served as a maid to an influential lord in order to learn the skills of high society. However, Omitsu is forced to flee for her life when she injures the lord during a failed attempt to rape her and is hotly pursued by the lord’s men. Other thugs and opportunists soon learn of the rich girl on the run and try to "rescue" her from Zatoichi with hope of receiving a reward for her safe return. An exciting blend of intrigue and suspense set against a background of yakuza warfare and bloody swordplay, makes this one of Zatoichi’s greatest adventures. COLOR/85 MINUTES ENGLISH SUBTITLES 1964 .

Zatoichi- Masseur Ichi the Fugitive
Upon arriving in the town of Shimonita, Zatoichi, the blind swordsman and gambler, is suddenly attacked by a young stranger. Easily defeating his assailant, Zastoichi learns of a bounty on his head from the dying man. Feeling pity, our hero soon locates the dead man’s widowed mother, tells of the tragedy, and offers her money. Later, while searching for the person offering the bounty, the blind man discovers a mounting struggle between rival town gangs. When a new boss is named by one of the gangs, yakuza from miles around come to pay homage to the new leader. Among this unsavory group are the most notorious killers and swordfighters in Japan. Afraid of no man, Zatoichi, however, is surprised to see an old love now married to Gajuro, a hated samurai killer. Will long forgotten emotions cloud our hero’s judgment, thus endangering his life as he faces his most deadly foe. Color/86 Minutes Subtitled 1963

Zatoichi- The Return of Masseur Ichi
The second installment in the long-running series finds Zatoichi, the blind masseur and gambler, hired to massage a distinguished lord. Our hero soon discovers the lord to be insane and totally out of control. Once he leaves, the lord’s vassals are dispatched to silence the blind man as he knows too much. The samurai are no match for Zatoichi as he repels every attempt at his life with the lightning fast draw of his cane sword. However, the wholesale slaughter of his samurai vassals doesn’t deter the lord from enlisting the help of local gangsters to stop Zatoichi. They too find the blind man no easy target. Memories of his past are later rekindled when Zatoichi confronts yet another foe, the mysterious one-armed Samurai named Yoshiro. It seems Zatoichi and Yoshiro were once suitors to the same woman and must finally deal with an unsettled score. Black & White/73 Minutes Subtitles 1962

Zatoichi- The Blind Swordsman Samaritan
While attempting to collect a gambling debt for the yakuza boss Kumakichi, whom he owes a favor, Zatoichi, the blind masseur and gambler, is forced to kill a young man named Unokichi. Unokichi’s sister , Osode, later arrives with money to satisfy her brothers debt having sold herself to a brothel, but alas she is too late. Zatoichi soon discovers that Boss Kumakichi cares little about the money and used him to kill Unokichi just to get at his beautiful sister. It seems that Osode is a desired pawn to be traded as part of a lucrative business deal. Discovering this treachery, Zatoichi steps in to save Osode from the parasitic gangster and his henchmen. Caught in the ironic dillema of having to rely on her brother’s killer for protection and seeking revenge herself, Osode becomes the reluctant companion of the blind swordsman. Bloodshed and violence soon erupt as our unassuming hero must again use his deadly cane sword to dispense justice! Color/ 84 minutes Subtitled 1968

Zatoichi- Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo
Zatoichi the Blind masseur (Katsu Shintaro) revisits a village he has fond memories of, only to find that much has changed. Eboshiya, the new village headman has two sons; one married into the respectable family that runs the Shogunate Mint, and the other an up-and-coming Yakuza boss. The respectable son is debasing the coinage and dear old dad is helping him hide the loot, which no self-respecting yakuza boss can resist trying to steal, with the help of a wandering Yojimbo by the name of Sasa Daisaku (Toshiro Mifune) who, incidentally, has been promised a fortune if he'll take care of Eboshiya's new bodyguard and masseur, Zatoichi. Which means swords will slash, blood will spurt, and heads will roll when ZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBO!

Zatoichi- Zatoichi the Outlaw
When a local gambling house kidnaps some peasants because they failed to pay their debts, a rival gambling house pays their debts and sets them free. But it's really all just a plot to enlist Ichi's aid in eliminating the competition, and once that's been attended to, the master of the surviving house of chance grabs more and more power and more and more cash from the hapless farmers. Even a blind man can see that Justice must be done.