Zatoichi

Synopsis

Zatoichi is a 2003 Japanese samurai film directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars as the blind swordsman Zatoichi. Set in 19th-century Japan, the film follows Zatoichi as he arrives in a rural village plagued by yakuza gangsters and becomes entangled in a complex web of deception, violence, and personal tragedies. Despite his blindness, Zatoichi's exceptional swordsmanship and uncanny abilities make him a formidable force to be reckoned with. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of power struggles and betrayal, Zatoichi's true character is revealed through his actions and interactions with the various characters he encounters.

Cast

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  Takeshi Kitano

  Zatoichi / Ichi

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  Tadanobu Asano

  Hattori Genosuke

• 

  Michiyo Yasuda

  Tante Oume

• 

  Yui Natsukawa

  Oshino

• 

  Guadalcanal Taka

  Shinkichi

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  Daigorô Tachibana

  Geisha Seitaro O-Sei Naruto

Reviews

Zatoichi, directed by Takeshi Kitano, received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. IMDb users rated the movie 7.5 out of 10, praising the stylish cinematography, engaging narrative, and Kitano's compelling performance as the iconic blind swordsman. Rotten Tomatoes reports an approval rating of 87%, with critics praising the film's blend of action, drama, and humor. Metacritic gives Zatoichi a score of 75/100, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics. The New York Times called it 'visually stunning' and 'emotionally resonant', while The Guardian described it as a 'modern take on the classic samurai genre'. Zatoichi is a captivating and thrilling cinematic experience that resonates with audiences and critics alike.