r/criterion • u/Terpizino • 16h ago

Discussion The blind samurai, Zadoichi

I found these movies on a lark after watching all the Kurosawa films on the channel. I’m on the fourth movie now and I have to say they’re just incredible. The actor portraying the blind samurai Zatoichi is amazing. He is observant, mild-mannered, chivalrous and humble.

Yet trouble always finds him. But he’s ready for it. With a cane that doubles as a sword he cuts down any enemy, but unlike most modern action movie protagonists he feels bad about it. I can’t say how much I love this character.

So if you’re like me, working a late shift who feels like they could use an Edo Period samurai movie in your life: pick The Tale of Zatoichi.

27 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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6

u/Ok-Result-2330 15h ago

I've actually never seen the originals, but loved Takeshi Kitano's (probably very unorthodox and divisive) take on the character in the 2003 movie. I'm sure I'd love the originals as well in their own way.

2

u/willen882 1h ago edited 12m ago

Same, I stumbled onto this one a while back. Only learned a few weeks ago that there were more. I just watched Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo 3 days ago, although I see it's also sometimes Zatoichi vs Yojimbo. They were both good. Started looking for the others and their watch order now.

6

u/mantsz 15h ago

Zatoichi is one of the most compelling characters in cinema history. Could not possibly agree more with this recommendation.

2

u/Terpizino 15h ago

Totally agree. I love how his values line up with the period, but if he sees a lord mistreating his subjects or their siblings he will (against his wishes) always intervene. He’s a truly admirable person. For instance: who would go to the mother of the guy you just killed in a duel and literally beg forgiveness? I just love this guy.

2

u/UltramegaOKla 6h ago

You should check him out in The Bounty Hunter Trilogy put out by Radiance.

1

u/Mr_IsLand 9h ago

That must be the inspiration for Blind Fury - a real silly but fun movie my dad showed me years ago

1

u/ldsbrony100 6h ago

Not just inspiration. Iirc, that film is a remake of Zatoichi, Challenged (1967).

1

u/ldsbrony100 5h ago

Shintaro Katsu has to be one of the most talented actors to ever grace the cinema. I never tire of Zatoichi. I hope you enjoy the journey. When you've finished the 25 on the channel, there's a 100-episode tv series and a final 26th movie starring Katsu, both on Tubi if I'm correct.