Customer Reviews

Zatoichi:Masseur Ichi on the Road [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was a little hesitant about buying this dvd. I have watched samurai movies in the past but found them too slap stick, boring or dramatic with the only good parts being the fight scenes. But never the less once I popped in the dvd and watched the first 10 minutes, I was hooked. The story lines are basically the same but make no mistake these are good quality movies. The directors do a great job in balancing the right amount of humor, fight scenes and acting dialogues so the movies are never boring and they are quite funny. Shintaro Katsu is a "natural" in these films and I would highly recommend any other Zatochi films with him in it.

A great entry into the Zatoichi series, there are some awesome fight sequences in this movie and it is very in depth and relfective. All the Zatoichi films I've seen start off without much action, focusing more on building an enviroment that is beleivable and a story that is captivating. Masseur Ichi on the Road satisfies on all levels, truly a testament of what a film should be- an art form that draws the watcher into its carefully laid out story and has him emerge feeling enlightened. With all the hollywood trash being released nowadays all people want is a quick fix of special effects and shallow romance scences. A good story is no longer a necessity and is a nearly forgotten art. The Zatoichi series reminds us what film making is really about.

I really appreciate Home Vision Entertainments production of the Zatoichi movie series. Each release has been an excellent presentation of Zatoichi. As a Japenese Samurai Movie fan I think that this series of DVD's is the best. The character of Zatoichi is very compelling and each story helps you identify with this Blind Swordsman who is always trying to do good for others. The examples of Japenese culture during this time period is very beautiful and detailed. Shintaro Katsu displays a wide range of emotions as Zatoichi and his display of swordmanship is excellent.

Let me say this, I saw my first Zatoichi movie back when I was 14 and since then I was absolutely hooked.

The move was beautifully done and I can not stress enough what an awesome character Shintaro Katsu can play. I have all of his VHS tapes and I am slowing starting to build my DVD collection. I have DVD's from overseas subtitled and let me tell you.
It invokes a feeling that no one anywhere, time, or place can in this day and age. The movies are genre films (Feeling invoking). DO you remember the first time you saw seven, primal fear, titanic - (kind of cheesy now) but at the time the movies gave you a feeling right.

Well all of his movies are like that. This one here is 1 of my top 10's! 5 out of 5. He has over 30 movies made and also 100's of TV episodes. Trust me on this. Its great. Once you get hooked you'll love it as much as me. BUT BEWARE YOU HAVE TO ENJOY FILM> If those action packed rockem sockem's are your only cup of tea then not for you.

What do you expect from a blind swordsman? The plot is a bit confusing, the girl pretty, Zatoichi clever, the swords sharp - what more do you want?

"You switched the dice, I can tell by the sound," says Ichi to the gambler opposite him: and with a quick flash from his cane-sword, the 5th entry to the Zatoichi series opens up. They just keep on getting better. While being led to Doyoma, as an invited guest, Ichi and his escort are ambushed by a group on 'goons' hired to kill him. This motley group of killers have been hired by yakuza thug Jingoro [Ryuzo Shimada]. Jingoro works for the Boss, Tobei [Sonosuke Sawamura]. And once again Ichi finds himself fighting the "bad-guys."

Zatoichi encounters a dying man on the road, who asks Ichi to save his daughter and take her to Edo. The daughter, Mitsu [Shiho Fujimura] is from a very wealthy family and is wanted by yakuza thugs who hope to ransom her. Moreover, a corrupt yakuza lord states that Ichi has been paid to fight for him, and this brings a price on Ichi's head [what else is new?] Therefore, Ichi now has many yakuza thugs after him. And still, he must get Mitsu to Edo. Mitsu goes through all sorts of trauma amongst the various factions out to claim her for the money--and it is up to Zatoichi to see that she arrives in Edo in one piece.

Can Ichi save the girl? Will she ever arrive at Edo? This 5th entry of the Zatoichi entry makes for a delightful watch. The cinematography is outstanding, the characters Ichi faces are as devious as ever, and Zatoichi continues his remarkable display of swordsmanship in this very entertaining episode of "ZATOICHI: ON THE ROAD." Highly recommended, this is a very good episode of the Zatoichi series.

A beautiful film and engaging story. I cannot recommend the whole series enough. The just do not make films like this any more. If you are remotely interested in Japanese cinema or samurai films, go ahead and buy this DVD. It will not disappoint.