Zatoichi learned a valuable lesson from the blind priest. Whether he likes it or not, the fact is he is a role model. We don't have the luxury to declare that we don't want to be a role models for others. That's why it's important to conduct ones self with the knowledge that your behavior can be a source of positive education for others... or negative.In the first instance, Zatoichi lost his cool while being teased and over reacted by drawing his sword and showing off his skills to intimidate the people teasing him. But in the later case, he only drew his sword to defend the good people from the yakuza.

I am almost done watching all of the zatoichi films and it still bothers me how many times he leaves tons of money for the rest of the bad guys. He should give everything to the honest hard working townspeople and be a real robin hood!

For any avid watcher of martial arts movies, sometimes the transition from Chinese to Japanese involves a change of expectations. Although there is a little martial arts, this is mostly swordplay. If you are familiar with Kung Fu the TV Series, or The Fugitive Television show, you can see where the idea was stolen from. Ichi the Blind Masseuse. You have the main character wandering Japan, getting into trouble, but always finding ways to help others who cross his path. Although he gambles, and hangs out with criminals, that does not mean he doesn't have a soul or a conscious. When his back is up against the wall the blind man comes out swinging his cane sword. For its time period, I stack this series up against a lot of questionable material from Shaw Brothers.I just have to add, watch the whole series!For those that like this movie, look up Lone Wolf & Cub, another excellent Chambara series.