Subtlety and charm are the hallmarks of this incredible introduction to the popular Zatoichi franchise that resulted in 26 feature films and 100 television episodes.

Shintarô Katsu is a former masseur, turned master swordsman named Zatoichi (Ichi) who fights for respect and chivalry as a blind man of low station. He stumbles into the village of Iioka to visit Sukegorô, a yakuza boss he met a year before. It becomes apparent that Sukegorô and his gang are nothing but petty criminals and Ichi is quick to show his distain for their uncouth behavior. But, Sukegorô offers him money in hopes of securing his services to engage a swordsman hired by a rival gang in Sasagawa. Ichi meets this swordsman named Hirate, who is dying of tuberculosis and forms a bond of mutual respect.

Tensions between the two gangs reach critical mass after one of Sukegorô’s men is killed by the Sasagawa gang. Once its learned that Hirate has become seriously ill, Sukegorô takes 60 men and attacks the Sasagawa gang. Despite his condition, Hirate is persuaded to join the battle. Concern over Hirate’s health draws Ichi to the battle site which only leads to an inevitable duel between the two men. Heartbroken, Ichi rejects the love of a gang member’s sister and walks off in search of his next adventure.

Zatoichi is the type of popular hero who is timeless and can appeal to any culture. The character is an everyman with a disability that is overshadowed by almost superhuman fighting skills. But, what really makes this character click is Shintarô Katsu’s masterful performance. He manages to give Zatoichi a charm and charisma that rivals any Western hero. The story focuses on the encounters of people who would have been considered “low class” citizens in Japan in the 1800′s. There are no samurai warriors and the only things that separate the good from the bad are peerless swordsmanship and a noble heart. Admittedly, simply the concept of a blind swordsman who carries a sword hidden in his cane is super cool. There have been numerous rip-offs since and even Chang Cheh’s One-Armed Swordsman (1967) appears to have taken its inspiration from this character. The two characters actually face off in Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman (1971) with Katsu opposite Jimmy Wang Yu.

The story begins slowly and requires some patience from action fans craving bloody swordfights. But, the first half of the film actually provides brilliant and necessary examples of the character’s subtle talents and modesty, traits which only elevate him higher once his sword leaves its sheath. Ichi’s first encounter with Sukegorô’s men results in a very satisfying gambling scene where he smugly makes fools of them after they attempt to cheat him. Later, he stuns the same group with a stunt that leaves a candle sliced lengthwise while each half remains lit! One of these thugs who makes unwanted advances on the leading lady, played by Masayo Banri, causes Ichi to saunter out and declare his intention to escort her home. After a moment of mock hesitance, he proclaims that there is no one else about and laughs as he leaves the fear-stricken assailant frozen in place.

Although light on action until the end, I have no complaints about the acting, music, or camerawork which are all contributing factors in evoking a high level of depth that draws you into the historically based story. Japanese history buffs may even recognize various characters such as Zatoichi’s main opponent, Miki Hirate who was a notorious ronin. But, I still don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing the old Japanese custom of married women who blackened their teeth and shaved their eyebrows. This first Zatoichi film is brilliantly made and a must see for anyone who enjoys Japanese swordplay dramas such as Yojimbo (1962).

REVIEW: Zatoichi 01 - The Tale of Zatoichi (1962), 8.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

by

Related Topics:
 •   •