Zatoichi

Takeshi Kitano, Japan, 2003, 116 minutes

"Even with my eyes wide open I can’t see a thing."

Zatoichi tells the tale of a blind samurai masseur (and before you panic and think of Rutguer Hauer in Blind Fury, relax) as he travels from town to town, a bit like a violent "Littlest Hobo". On arriving in a new village he helps a pair of geisha girls avenge the death of their parents, while taking on the local gangs and a powerful samurai, all in the name of the samurai code.

This is the latest in a long line of movies about the Zatoichi legend, although this one does diverge from the previous incarnations somewhat, with Kitano using the basic idea as a starting point for his story. Kitano writes, stars and directs this excellent movie, and anyone familiar with his past work will not miss his trademark non-linear story telling; the calm tone punctuated by sudden bloody ultra violence and the wry, almost slapstick sense of humour. A huge television star in Japan, Kitano is still relatively unknown over here (unless seen at the end of Takeshi’s Castle), although his previous movies, including Hana-bi, Sonantine, and Violent Cop have developed a loyal following of discerning people who enjoy great films.

What else can I say? This movie has it all: an intricate and detailed story of comedy, violence, swords, violence, revenge, violence and a dance routine. Tom Cruise and Uma Thurman Hah! This blind guy would have them cut up into dog meat before you can say "what a big shiny sword you’ve got there". Probably by the time you say "big".

Review by Karl "Carlito Baby" Byrne
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2004