Zatoichi

I noticed there isn't a dedicated thread for this movie yet... and honestly, there really ought to be one. 😁



Quentin Tarantino. Zatoichi—the legendary blind samurai from that iconic 60s Japanese film and TV series.

The first time I sat down to watch it was at Sundance, and I have to admit, I came away feeling pretty let down... I just couldn't quite wrap my head around his constant genre-hopping: you've got samurai tropes, sudden action, musical elements, and then comedy thrown into the mix?!

But after coming back to it for a second viewing a while later, things started to click for me. It seems Kitano is trying to push the boundaries of cinema by moving away from standard genre conventions, instead using them merely as a loose framework to showcase his own highly specific directorial style. 🤔
To put it more bluntly: it’s an interesting film... certainly not up there with his absolute masterpieces like Hana-bi or Kikujiro, but still a step above the mediocrity of Dolls or Brother.
And that ending? It is hands down one of the most jarring, "out there" conclusions I've seen in years.

I remember reading somewhere that Zatoichi is basically the Japanese version of Kill Bill... I suppose there's a grain of truth to that comparison, but explaining why would require a full-blown scene-by-scene breakdown... and we can get to that once a "critical mass" of people here has actually seen it.

Office Kitano - Zatoichi

I unfortunately only made it halfway through the movie (skipping around)...but even so, I can say the film is genuinely interesting...some of the conflict scenes were fascinating...and that dancer (geisha 😁) wasn't far off from that description either...

👍 👍 is a must-watch
Everything about this movie works pretty well. The plot is almost non-existent, and the score is used so sparingly—it’s just a few drops here and there. For a moment, I actually felt like I was watching a documentary🙏, but honestly, everything fits perfectly. It doesn't try too hard to be some flashy Kill Bill clone, either. As far as the violence goes, the dismemberment scenes are actually better than what we saw in Kill Bill; there's none of that pretentious posturing, just raw, brutal cutting.

And look, you know who can actually pull off the samurai vibe, and who's just some um trauma or Tom guz types🙂

I am genuinely curious about this film. I’ve only caught a couple of Quentin Tarantino movies—there was a three-film marathon on PBS last summer. I think I would really enjoy Hana-bi, and that one comedy of his where a guy tries to get rich and impress a girl by bouncing through different movie genre parodies was actually quite hilarious. Hell, it was cheap humor, but I liked it.

I noticed there was a preview screening at AMC, but I’m not entirely sure if it has officially hit theaters yet. If it has, I’ll be heading straight there to see it.

It is quite predictable...
Whenever Ukyo Tachiban feels the urge, he inevitably overcomes Zatoichi....

So, I finally sat down and watched this about a month ago, and honestly? It’s a straight 5/5 for me. No contest.

The whole message behind the film really sticks with you. You've got this guy who's sharpened up his other senses—smell, hearing, all that stuff—but the core of it is just how he’s navigating the world while blind. He’s basically testing the waters to see how people actually treat you when you aren't "normal," if you catch my drift. It’s a heavy concept, but it hits home.

There’s this scene with dancing in the rain, and some rhythmic thumping of hoes against the ground... the music is a little weird, I'll admit, but it works, sort of like one of those offbeat old commercials you'd see on late-night TV.

Hands down the best part: that tense moment where the servant tests out a katana for his master while the blind man is watching in the dark. Just incredible.

Just finished watching. I have to admit, it’s quite a punch to the gut, though having already seen two Quentin Tarantino films—namely Hana-bi and that bizarre comedy about a guy obsessed with fertilizing things that sets off the most surreal adventures imaginable—I think I knew what I was getting into. You get those heavy flashbacks woven so tightly into the narrative that you genuinely lose track of whether you're in the present or the past, plenty of slow-paced, highly stylized sequences (though "ceremonially staged" might be a more accurate description), and those sudden shifts between jarring violence and strangely childish humor.

The soundtrack, however, is a whole different beast. When the characters start tilling the field in rhythm, creating music with their hoes, I nearly burst out laughing. Not because the scene was silly, but because it was just delightfully bizarre. 🙂

All in all, I don't think Zatoichi is for everyone, but if you enjoy this specific brand of cinema, it's actually quite excellent. It’s definitely something I'd want to pick up on Blu-ray. 😁

I don't want to spoil the plot, so if anyone happens to catch this post and wants to discuss the movie, I might just use an "invisible" font color to comment on the scenes I found particularly hilarious or strange.

A blind samurai, huh?

Hmm...

Blind Fury [1989]

rapidstag74 said:A blind samurai, huh?

Hmm...

Blind Fury [1989]

Oh, please!
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0186725/

By the way,
The movie is just a commercialized mess, which is probably why it even made it to theaters in the first place. The fight scenes feel incredibly amateurish and naive; honestly, the only redeeming qualities are the beautiful actors and the subplot involving the sister acting as a geisha.

Finally, I’ve managed to carve out some actual free time to sit down and write a quick review. It’s about time, too, because from what I can see, this thread has already drifted completely off course...🙂

The first time I saw this, I was watching it on a single DivX disc, and it even had that Hong Kong subtitle track—not like there’s a ton of dialogue anyway, but still. What can I say? I absolutely loved it. I remember making myself a promise: if this movie ever hit theaters here in the States, especially during one of those times when everyone was actually talking about it, I’d be there. I just wanted to see if I could actually soak up the real atmosphere of the film for once.

Days have been flying by and I still haven't managed to make it to the theater... but I finally managed to snag a beautiful DVD rip spread across two discs with AC3 audio. I'll admit, it’s definitely not the same experience as seeing it on a big screen at the AMC, but it's more than enough to get the full vibe of the movie. I decided to give it another watch tonight, and since I had some downtime, I figured, why not?

Well, I guess we might as well start complaining...

I’ve always been a big fan of Takeshi Kitano’s work, so I haven't really seen anything of his that I didn't enjoy. Honestly, I doubt this one would be any different.

The movie feels a bit sluggish at times, but honestly, there’s just a whole pile of other issues dragging the entire thing down.

First off, it’s the sound—specifically the sound design and the score. Honestly, during my first watch, I was so completely mesmerized by the audio that I barely even noticed if I was watching samurai or office workers. By the second time around, since I already knew the plot, I didn't give the story a second thought at all; I just let myself get lost in this incredible visual and acoustic experience. And man, you notice so many tiny details when you aren't bracing yourself for a major plot point. Like how Zatoichi’s ear twitches whenever he’s listening intently, or the way flower petals drift through the air, or even how blood slides off a katana (okay, maybe that last one is a bit more obvious, but you get what I mean).

I see that Otprilike is tearing into the muse in this film, claiming there's practically none to be found. 😕 I honestly can’t get behind this statement. Look, I’ll admit the whole movie isn't some non-stop musical, but when they do decide to lean into those musical numbers, they execute them perfectly. And don't even get me started on how the soundtrack fits the atmosphere—like that one scene where it’s pouring rain? The music choice was spot on. Plus, I think the overall selection of songs is actually pretty diverse.

What I really appreciate about this is how the music never feels forced. It doesn't try too hard to tell you how to feel, which is such a massive problem with so many movies these days. You see it all the time now—where the score just hammers you over the head. Think about films like The Matrix Reloaded, Captain Mifune, or even Kill Bill; the music works with the scene rather than fighting against it.

Cop> I saw it for the first time at the Sundance Film Festival, and honestly, I was a little disappointed... I just couldn't quite wrap my head around how he kept messing with all those different genres: you've got samurai stuff, action, musicals, comedy?! I don't know, maybe I just didn't get it.

I don't know... I didn't really get that impression myself. *shrugs*

I’ve sat through quite a few Takeshi Kitano movies, and while it's true he's never really ventured into territory like this before, I guess I've just become accustomed to his work always finding some way to catch me off guard. Honestly, the musical elements actually worked surprisingly well for me in this one.

Then again, I guess all I’ve really been watching over the last few years is Japanese cinema, so I’m rarely surprised by what they put out. Plus, I've always had a soft spot for musicals. 😁

Cop> I read somewhere that "Zatoichi" is basically the Japanese version of "Kill Bill." I mean, I guess there’s some truth to that comparison, but you’d really have to break down specific scenes to prove it. We can talk about it once enough people actually go out and see the movie to create a bit of a critical mass.

I don't really agree with this, though I get why Kill Bill is the first thing that comes to mind. If they actually had enough elements to justify the comparison, then sure, maybe I'd see it.

I don't know, to me Kill Bill feels more like a big joke and an hommage to Hong Kong action flicks, whereas Zatoichi is something else entirely, even if they use similar elements to get their point across.

On a quick side note... I have this friend who absolutely hates Kill Bill because she claims Quentin Tarantino just ripped off every single idea from one movie that hardly anyone has ever seen. Every single time she tried watching it in a theater, someone would tell her exactly what was going to happen and spoil the whole thing for her. 😂

I realize this has nothing to do with the debate, but let's try to wake up CNN a little bit. 😁

CNN> So far I've watched two Kitano films (Hana-bi and some bizarre comedy about a guy who wants to screw himself which becomes the foundation for the weirdest possible adventures

dude, did I not give you Battle Royale??? 😕

Don't tell me you haven't seen it yet. 🙂

CNN> tons of flashbacks woven into the story so much that you first wonder if it's happening now or in the past, a lot of slow and... stylized scenes (though I'm not sure if that's the right word; maybe "ceremonially wrapped" would be better), sudden and totally unexpected bursts of violence or perhaps bizarrely childish humor....

That’s exactly what I love about his movies... Hana-bi is probably the best example of that. My only gripe is that sometimes he really knows how to stretch things out... which was definitely the case with Zatoichi. Honestly... if I hadn't glanced at my watch here and there, I probably would've thought the movie lasted 4 hours instead of 2.

CNN> The music is its own thing though: when people start tilling the field in rhythm and creating music with their hoes, I almost started laughing out loud. Not because the scene was stupid, but because it was just delightfully bizarre.

The hoe scenes might actually be my favorite part of all, partly because they're so well synced, unlike, say, the house-building scenes where there's way too much noise.

They weren't funny to me, but they did bring a smile to my face... in a good way. 🙂

Noah Patel70> BTW.
The movie is commercial and bad (which is probably why it ended up in theaters).....

Wow... coming from someone who seems to love Kill Bill, that statement sounds a bit ridiculous to me.

Commercial... so what? You can't live on art alone, but the film is still unique and artsy enough that you wouldn't just label it pure commercialism.

Anyway, that's just my take on it, I guess.

Noah Patel70> These fights are just silly and naive

o_O

Honestly, for a movie like this, the action is exactly what you'd expect. I mean, what were you actually looking for? A gritty, realistic depiction of a blind guy taking on twenty dudes at once?

Look... the whole point of the movie isn't really the combat... The action scenes are just there so the audience doesn't pass out between the musical numbers. 😁

the only good parts are the bishonen, the sister acting as a geisha, and their subplot...

Well, yeah... that's pretty much the only actual story in the whole thing. 🙂

I guess it's not like anyone actually cares about Shinkuichi gambling his life away all day, or the fact that the locals are being shaken down by gangs...

Adam Wright56 said:The scythe fight might actually be my favorite part of the whole thing. It’s executed so cleanly, too—unlike those house-building scenes where the sound design just becomes an overwhelming mess.

To be honest, those scenes didn't really move the needle for me, mostly because I was still reeling from watching Delicatessen right before this...

That said, I'll admit it's a clever concept, 👍

But here’s what’s actually bothering me about this movie. It isn't the unrealistic combat—I mean, when you read a synopsis about a blind samurai fighting injustice while working as a masseur, you go in expecting stylized fights. No, what truly kills me is that revolver.
Can someone please explain where that revolver comes from? (In other words, what is the approximate time period we're dealing with here?)

What is there to critique about Kill Bill? It stands as one of the premier samurai-inspired films of the 21st century, possessing every hallmark of cinematic excellence: a compelling, original narrative, a sharp screenplay, and a stellar cast. The soundtrack is superb, the cameos from major American celebrities are iconic, and the film features visceral, beautifully choreographed action sequences.

Zatoichi is merely a remake of some mediocre Japanese film from the late seventies that absolutely no one on this forum has actually bothered to watch.

Takeshi Kitano simply ran low on cash, so he stretched out a thin plot just to fleece us gullible viewers; it is nothing more than pure commercialism.
Go watch g. o. F. f if you want an actual standard for quality.

The core message of the film is that a man, despite facing immense handicaps, manages to climb the highest peak only to shatter a single small stone—and he does so just as his handicap "vanishes." Furthermore, the film serves as a metaphor for life being a stage where actors enter and exit, their sole purpose being to struggle within that timeframe while attempting to linger in the audience's memory for as long as possible.

Buzaz and his sister are quintessential examples of that typical, pathetic Japanese self-pity regarding personal tragedy. So what if he had to sell himself for money? Did he even have a choice?
He did, though he certainly chose the path of least resistance, all to serve a selfish quest for vengeance that ultimately provided zero satisfaction, only deepening his sense of emptiness and sorrow.

Mull it over and let me know your thoughts.

Noah Patel70 said:What's wrong with Kill Bill? It's easily one of the best samurai-style films of the 21st century.

It lasts about three years, if I recall correctly.

Man, I actually like Kill Bill, so I'm not going to sit here making baseless nitpicks like you are.🙂

Adam Wright56 said:Dude, didn't I already give you Battle Royale??? 😕

Please don't tell me you haven't watched it yet. 🙂

Yeah, I did. But as far as I know, that isn't a Takeshi Kitano film. He's just acting in it. By the way, if you happen to have anything else by Kitano on DivX or video, maybe we could work something out, hmmm...

Noah Patel70> What is wrong with people regarding Kill Bill? Honestly, it’s easily one of the best samurai-style films of the 21st century. It hits all the marks for what makes a solid movie: the story is actually original, the script is tight, and the cast is top-tier. Plus, the soundtrack is incredible. You’ve got this whole mix of big-name American stars, and let's be real—it's bloody as hell with some seriously well-designed fight choreography. It just works.

Look, I never actually said the movie was bad. That’s just a conclusion you decided to jump to on your own.

To call this one of the greatest samurai films of the 21st century is just plain nonsense, and honestly, it's exactly what CNN was trying to point out.

Noah Patel70>Zatoichi is just another one of those remakes based on some crappy Japanese movie from the late seventies that absolutely nobody on this forum has actually even watched.

I guess you could say the exact same thing about KB. 🙂

Noah Patel70 > It looks like Takeshi Kitano just ran out of cash, so he decided to water down his storytelling just to squeeze money out of us clueless cinephiles. Honestly, it’s nothing but pure commercialism.

And I’ll say it again... what exactly is the problem here?

At least they actually tried to build a real story here—something with actual substance and drama. Honestly, it’s got more going on than Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, which basically just takes a revenge motive and leans on it until the credits roll. I’m not saying the movie is bad because of that; far from it. But please, let’s stop acting like Kill Bill is some peak achievement of originality or screenwriting genius. It isn't. It’s just decent action with some katanas, nothing more.

Look, besides that, I’ve already mentioned how stupid it is to even try comparing those two movies, but when people keep nitpicking my wording like this, I feel like I actually have to address it.

Noah Patel70 > maybe check out the Sundance Film Festival if you actually want to have some kind of standard to measure things by.

You’re going to have to walk me through what that acronym actually stands for. I really hope it doesn't mean what I think it means...

CNN > Yeah, I am. But as far as I know, that isn't even a Takeshi Kitano film. He's just acting in it.

I guess that's just how you're choosing to watch his movies, then. *shrugs*

CNN > Hey, listen, if you happen to have any Kitano movies on DivX or video files, maybe we could work something out, hmm...

I don't actually have anything... though I guess that depends on what I've already sent your way. 🤔

I guess I usually just watch most of those movies and then delete them... I only end up keeping the ones that are actually high-quality encodes and stuff I feel like I could actually sit through again.

I liked how he handled that twist... just let Takeshi Kitano keep filming...

I was absolutely captivated by the film, though I have to admit a certain level of resentment regarding how much they lean on his specific camera work; seeing those stylistic choices mimicked so closely is honestly quite grating.

Seriously, this film is absolutely killer. It’s top-tier stuff, honestly. 🙂

By the way,

If you all want to watch the original Ichi just to see
how much of a complete thug, gambler, drunk, and killer he actually is—because this new installment presents him as some sort of kind, elderly gentleman—
just send me a PM. If you have plenty of stuff you're looking to trade, I can get you
the goods...

I honestly just absolutely love that movie 🙏 🙏