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Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman (1989)

This blood-stained epic shows the frailties of a man at odds with the Bushido Code. When released from jail, Zatoichi finds himself caught between rival bands of yakuza, confronts a group of gamblers, protects children and finds a beautiful woman.

Movie|Not Rated|1 hr. 58 min.|

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Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman (1989)

Title	Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman (1989)
Runtime	1 hr. 58 min.
Studio	Media Blasters
Genres	Action and Adventure
Description	Zatoichi is a blind man living in 19th century Japan. He's a gambler, a masseur, a curmudgeon, and, most importantly, a peerless swordsman. After being released from jail on charges of petty theft, Ichi finds himself caught between two rival bands of yakuza, one of whom has obtained a cache of guns from crooked policemen. Zatoichi throws in his lot with the sword-carrying gangsters, and stands at the fore as they face off for a battle to the death. En route to his destiny, Ichi confronts a group of crooked gamblers, protects the children of his village, and seeks comfort in the arms of a beautiful courtesan.

about 1 month ago

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Ichi gets some in one of the earliest movies. It's when he spends the night with a prostitute and we open up the next day with a scene of him washing in a lake. She comes out and says "wow, i feel like a new woman" and he says "you're welcome". I don't think she was talking about a particularly comfy bed or turning over a new leaf in her life. And yeah, strange movie. Ichi does what he does best though - killing guy after guy with 1 - 2 strokes max. Katsu's blindness is a little more (slim-est margin on more) realistic in this film.

3 months ago

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Not his best, but there is just no such thing as a bad Zatoichi film. Some of his childish playfulness is missing from this film and the more graphic fight scenes were a surprise, but it's still good old Ichi through and through. My only real rant is that for once I had trouble following the plot a bit which is usually pretty clear cut with him, if you know the culture. I guess this is a picture of what he might have been like if his films were made with a more modern set and effects. Let us be glad that he made his core series when he did and managed to capture his classic feel that we all know and love.

5 months ago

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Outstanding! I thought that I had seen all of movies created on this character, until this one. I had to cover my eyes a few times. Well worth watching twice. Outstanding.

5 months ago

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I totally agree with Dan. All of Shintaro's earlier "series" films were far better. Cheesy 80's music, ridiculous blood spurts and no lovable ichi in this one. It's sad to see him do a film like this at the end of his life and career.

10 months ago

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Glad to see Zato got laid in at least one of his movies, but furhermore do agree that the 80's music did not fit the moviescript. It reminds me of a late 80's Rocky film. Other than that Love the flick as of his many!

10 months ago

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Here is the diplomat, lover, child, friend and esteemed fellow Ichi - all expressed perhaps lithely but there nonetheless. He listens to a young man who is delusional and cares for him.brings new life to a family he respects and protects. He sprints back to his friend after his sexual - and very passionate - encounter showing his happiness and childlike heart. He has good friends who protect care and respect him and is a fellow of a band of Yakuza who is highly esteemed in his close circle and well known. And, he shares his beloved mothers' possessions with a young woman who has nothing and cares for others. There is a huge amount you are not seeing too clearly here - probably because of the language barrier.

11 months ago

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Certainly wasn't the best of all of the Zatoichi shows but was very good. I enjoyed the story and characters. It was nice to see Ichi get some for a change!

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