GamerTab That was an excellent one.

Melanie Bouvet The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Celia A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

kluseba The Tale of Zatoichi is the first in a long series of samurai movies centered around the blind gambler and masseur turned lowly yakuza who has a strong moral compass and makes us feel empathic not because he is blind and underestimated but because he is brave and honest as he always tries to do the right thing. This first movie is one out of two shot in black and white and has a unique atmosphere that makes life in rural Japan come to life in an authentic manner. This film shows how Zatoichi gets caught up in a war between two rival gangs. Even though he isn't respected by the gang he is supposed to represent and uncovers unfair gambling methods, misogyny and murder, he has accepted the fate that he has to live the life of a lowly criminal that he never really wanted. He develops a profound friendship with the rival's ronin who suffers from tuberculosis as they have similar values and share a passion for fishing and sake. However, one day, the two friends know they must face each other in a decisive battle.There are several elements that make this movie so outstanding. First of all, the film's authentic settings bring the culture and history of rural Japan to life in a very authentic way. Secondly, the protagonist convinces as a man who relies on his moral compass and cleverness first and foremost and only draws a sword if he doesn't have any other choice. Thirdly, the numerous side characters are quite interesting as well, especially Zatoichi's wise opponent Hirate, the ruthless criminal Tate and his proud but desperate sister Otane who ends up falling in love with Zatoichi. Fourthly, the dialogues are really to the point and add something to characters and plot unlike many contemporary martial arts flicks. Fifthly, the few fight sequences in the movie are carefully choreographed and would go on to inspire any other genre film that would follow this movie.By today's standards, The Tale of Zatoichi might not be the most vivid genre film but it's crafted in an artistic, detailed and intellectual manner that still stands out far over five decades after its initial release. Any martial arts fan should give this movie a chance. I would highly recommend the stunning Criterion Collection of the Zatoichi movies that truly offers value for money. Movies of this quality are rarely made nowadays and should be hold in high regard.

Hitchcoc This is the introduction of the blind samurai. It led to a cottage industry in Japan. It involves a nondescript blind swordsman/masseuse who has traveled to see a friend. The man is a gangster and has ulterior motives. He knows that an upcoming confrontation with another gang lord will happen and he wants Zatoichi on his side. Despite his infirmity, he is a master of the sword and would provide a great advantage to someone using his talents. The movie is mostly about the lowlife gangs and their lack of compunction and dedication. The Bosses are pigs, self centered and unsympathetic to their minions. Loyalties are tested and power is the central issue. There is more than one cowardly act and in the end, the two most noble of them all must fight on their own terms and not align themselves with the miscreant factions. A pretty good character is born in this film.

Dustin Dye "The Tale of Zatoichi" was a cultural phenomenon in Japan in the 1960s, spawning 25 sequels, a 112-episode TV series and a remake.Set toward the end of the feudal Edo period (1603-1868), the film stars Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi, an itinerant blind masseur/swordsman. He stops in the town of Iioka one day to stay with a yakuza boss, Sukegoro, who he had met on an earlier journey.Zatoichi is humble, but has a quiet intensity. Even though he is blind, he perceives more in the situations around him than the other participants with normal eyesight. In an early scene, Sukegoro's gangsters try to take advantage of Zatoichi in a game of dice, but he uses their underestimation of him to his advantage, and hustles the gamblers out of all their money.Zatoichi insists his impressive skills with the katana are nothing more than parlor tricks, but Boss Sukegoro hires him to stay on, as he has plans to go to war with a rival gang in nearby Sasagawa. Sasagawa boss Shigezo hires a ronin samurai, Hirate, to counterbalance Sukegoro's Zatoichi.Zatoichi and Hirate develop a sort of friendship, but their affection toward each other has less to do with their love of fishing or drinking than on their common code of honor. Even though they know they will be expected to fight to the death in the war between Iioka and Sasagawa, this doesn't stand between their personal friendship.So it follows that the most interesting conflict in the movie is not the yakuza warfare between the Iioka and Sasagawa gangs, but the conflict between Zatoichi and Hirate. Hirate is dying of consumption, and seems to prefer death by Zatoichi's sword rather than let his illness or an unworthy gangster take his life."The Tale of Zatoichi" is both fun and stylish. But rather than being a by-the-numbers action flick, the filmmakers took the time to develop characters the audience can actually care about, which elevates Zatoichi above other films of this genre.

Zeech Here's to you Howard! cheers! Action 'Kung Fu' move of pops generation. Early 60's when movies were in Black and White like everything else in those days. So no, it's not the action skills we all grew to lurrve in the 70's latenight big screens on 42nd Street but for posterity you must check it.On one level it's very very true to Caribbean Shanty stock like you and me. My man, Ichi is just like the Sticksman old folk would tell me about. He is not lowlife, just normal country boy planting corn or massage or just getting by. But he has a gift of kicking ass, just like the Sticksman.Now imagine you just getting by day to day with your little handicap (you blind or have a limp) and other people see you have a gift, with weapons. Everyone is going to want you to fight for them, conquer and consolidate. Do you become Gun/Sword/Stick for hire? Do you walk away? Do you go 'Yanky on them' and set YOURSELF up as the Man in the Village?watch the movie then let's sit down and chat these question out....it's a real Historical drama to many of us from the Caribbean. - hey you can guess which option and route my dad took.Stcy