Blind Swordsman Zatoichi

Doot · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:08 am Post subject: Blind Swordsman Zatoichi

"Zatoichi is a 19th century blind nomad who makes his living as a gambler and masseur. However, behind this humble facade, he is a master swordsman gifted with a lightning-fast draw and breathtaking precision. While wandering, Zatoichi discovers a remote mountain village at the mercy of Ginzo, a ruthless gang-leader. Ginzo disposes of anyone who gets in his way, especially after hiring the mighty samurai ronin, Hattori, as a bodyguard. After a raucous night of gambling in town, Zatoichi encoutners a pair of geishas--as dangerous as they are beautiful--who've come to avenge their parents' murder. As the paths of these and other colorful characters intertwine, Ginzo's henchmen are soon after Zatoichi. With his legendary cane sword at his side, the stage is set for a riveting showdown."

I finally got the chance to catch this movie at the theater and going into it never seeing any of the Zatoichi's that came well before this, I have to say it had me laughing quite a bit. Easy enough storyline to follow. A tad overdone on the computer generated swordfighting and blood showers but was a good story none-the-less. A bit of a sleepy film but if you are looking for a breather of your typical theater fare then give this one a shot. I won't say much more about any plot twists as it wasn't so much a mystery but a "Ahhh, yeah that makes sense." One thing that did slightly baffle me a bit was the Japanese version of Riverdance being performed at the end. Stick with it, as it is entertaining but not pertinant to the film.

GAAZ · MOD Black Sheep Commander Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2002

Sooooo..You went to see a foreign film without me. *Starts up Bon Jovi One Wild night "Live" album*

An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven, then put me through hell
Chains of love got a hold on me
When passion's a prison, you can't break free
You're a loaded gun
There's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name
You give love a bad name
You paint your smile on your lips
Blood red nails on your fingertips
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye
You're a loaded gun
There's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done
Shot through the heart
and you're to blame
You give love a bad name
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name

Doot · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 2:54 pm Post subject:

You quote Bon Jovi. I'm hurt Gaaz.

I'll go see it again. I had fun.

Reverend · I kin Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 21 Oct 2002

Now all Gaaz has to do it make an AMV off a ripped version of the movie

Doot · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 7:11 am Post subject:

And that would destroy me. But at least you'll have plenty of dancing scenes to pick and choose. Also Sakura would love it because it has a crossdressing Japanese boy in it.

Sasuke · Junior Otaku Gender: Joined: 16 Oct 2003

Zatoichi is an oldi but goodie, they have released all the dvds in the US from Animego

Doot · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 12:51 pm Post subject:

Yes it is oldies and goodies but this is actually the newer release they made of it last year.

Sasuke · Junior Otaku Gender: Joined: 16 Oct 2003

have you seen the other samurai movies? like from akira kurosawa, if u like zatoichi then youd love kurosawas movies if u havent check em out, like SEVEN samurai, or ronin I beilieve it was? not sure of all the titles but hes good at makin movies, And any movie with Toshiro Mifune is awesome too

Doot · Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 8:55 pm Post subject:

Indeed, I am quite a fan of those movies as well. Hence why I wanted to go check out Zatoichi.

Joetaku · Senior Otaku Joined: 24 Oct 2002

A buddy of mine recomended Zatoichi when I was looking for some good marial arts flicks. I picked up "Zatoichi meets the One Armed Swordsman". 1 word. Amazing.

Now for more than one word- This is really good stuff. I loved the story. The main jist is a chinese martial artist is traveling to a temple in japan. A family of chinese entertainers he meets agree to guide him to the temple. Along the way trouble brews and countless innocent people are killed. The chinese man and the family's last survivor, a young boy, are able to make it to safety. Zatoichi crosses paths with the martial artist and the young boy. Hearing their situation he decides to try to help, but the language barrier causes much trouble.

Let's not forget about the fights. Fast and really REALLY cool. This is something you should NOT pass up. I started watching "Zatoichi's Conspiracy", but I'm not that far into it yet.