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Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi
 
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Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

Starring: Shintarô Katsu, Masayo Banri Director: Kenji Misumi Rating: Unrated Format: DVD
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)

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Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi + Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 2 - The Tale of Zatoichi Continues + Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 3 - New Tale of Zatoichi
Total List Price: $59.85
Price For All Three: $53.97

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  • This item: Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi DVD ~ Shintarô Katsu

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Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi
44% buy the item featured on this page:
Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 1 - The Tale of Zatoichi 4.7 out of 5 stars (25)
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Product Details


Special Features

  • Gallery of original theatrical stills

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Zatoichi, the wandering masseur and master swordsman, is a mercenary hero with a difference: he's blind, and no less deadly for it. In his debut, Ichi shuffles into a gangster-run town like a wry con man, fleecing the dim-bulb gambling thugs and sponging off a local mob boss who wants the deadly Ichi on his side in an impending gang war. Released the same year Akira Kurosawa unleashed Yojimbo, stocky Shintaro Katsu's modest and soft-spoken Ichi couldn't be more different from the dynamic Toshiro Mifune's swaggering and arrogant Yojimbo. Director Kenji Misume can't match Kurosawa's searing cynicism or dynamic action, but when Ichi finally lets loose after avoiding conflict for the entire film, his spare, sudden attack makes a startling contrast to the usual flashing swords and furious movements. Zatoichi returned in 25 sequels and a long-running TV series, always played by Shintaro Katsu.

The newly restored DVD features a small stills gallery, a fold-out insert with an essay by Tatsu Aoki (a self described "Ichi Freak"), and four collector cards. --Sean Axmaker



From The New Yorker

The television personality, movie star, director, and best-selling author Takeshi (Beat) Kitano reincarnates the character of Zatoichi, a beloved figure in Japanese pop culture. Sightless, Zatoichi wanders the countryside seeking work as a humble masseur, cutting down evildoers when they cross his path. The movie is not without its crude pleasures, such as watching the near-comatose Zatoichi suddenly step into action, becoming a human Cuisinart. There is also a trippy strangeness to the whole production: gags when you least expect them, an exuberant dance number at the end, some wild synthesizer music. But Kitano, with his slapped-together filmmaking, is relying heavily on the built-in affection for his hero. In Japanese. -Michael Agger
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

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Customer Reviews

25 Reviews
5 star:
 (19)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (25 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY ON DVD, May 30, 2002
By Robin Simmons (Palm Springs area, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)      
Criterion in association with Janus Films has exquisitely remastered the first two of 26 sequels in the life and adventures of Japan's most popular and enduring cinematic hero, Zatoichi, the blind swordsman. A common man with an extraordinary skill and an even greater moral imperative.

"THE TALE OF ZATOICHI" introduces the legendary character and its star, Shintaro Katsu. This film from 1962 also introduced a new era of samurai film. Zatoichi, a lowly blind masseur who practices in a small province gets caught in a turf war between rival yakuza gangs. Yakuza honcho Sukejuro, aware of Zatoichi's reputation with his deadly cane sword, tries to hire him -- unsuccessfully -- as a mercenary. Unfortunately, Shigezo, the other gang leader, has already hired a fierce warrior with an equally intimidating skill to challenge Zatoichi. Thus, the legend begins. The finely honed story is greatly enhanced by the stunningly choreographed action. The black and white widescreen picture looks great and the English subtitles are easy to read. Bonus material includes a gallery of original theatrical stills.

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36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Zatoichi, My Hero, January 30, 2005
I enjoy watching all of these films, especially this one. I appreciate the lack of blood and gore, and the mere two swordswipes the hero uses to take out about four bad guys at once. I'm sure many of us long for a protector like this to vanquish evil in the world. Great acting and directing, with nice humourous elements woven into the tale. I also like that the words are not dubbed over with English. I think subtitles are the best way to go with these films to maintain the intentions and artistry of the filmmakers.
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42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Beautiful, January 2, 2005
By M. Briscoe (Methuen, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
In today's age, there are so many martial arts movies that glorify the killing, and little of the rest of the package that makes up a martial artist. In my opinion, this film surpassed all my expectations. The emotional depth of this film went far beyond the uninvolving MA films of later generations. I truly enjoyed the sub plots of the movie - especially the friendship that developed between Zatoichi and the man that was supposed to be his enemy, Master Hirata.

I recommend this highly to any person who wants to expand their martial arts library.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Zatoichi Worth Watching
Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman is worth watching. You will not find brilliant sword-play but a type of morality play and contrast of characters in different situations. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Ferguson

5.0 out of 5 stars Glued to the screen
If anyone out there is into martial arts films, but not samurai films, go ahead and start off with this gem. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Hunter Orahood

4.0 out of 5 stars #1: THE BEGINNING OF A LONG AND WONDERFUL ODYSSEY
The Zatoichi saga, covering the years 1962-1989, are truly remarkable in the history of cinema. There are no bad episodes. Read more
Published on September 4, 2006 by Ernest Jagger

5.0 out of 5 stars The man asks-"How did you know that my bobber was moving without seeing it?" Zatoichi replies-"I sensed it". Talk about Zen!!!!
Zatiochi, the ultimate zen master. This is my 3rd Zatoichi film that I have seen(4th if I counted Beat's). And i have to say it is my favorite so far. Read more
Published on July 23, 2006 by morgoth

5.0 out of 5 stars Shintaro Katsu!
The reason I had to get this movie, and will likely collect more of the sequels, is Shintaro Katsu. I saw some of his latter work and wanted to see his earlier movies. Read more
Published on January 5, 2006 by Michael Valdivielso

5.0 out of 5 stars The movie that started one of the most successful series
The one that started it all. Zatoichi (1962) is introduced. The temendous series that followed endeared the blind swordsman to the Japanese hearts. Read more
Published on December 7, 2004 by James S. Toller

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Classic Samurai Movie
This first DVD (movie) is the Japanese version of the classic American western. Zatoichi is a blind samurai who is a reluctant member of the yakuza. Read more
Published on May 29, 2004 by AstroNerdBoy

5.0 out of 5 stars Justice is blind, so is the hand that wields the sword
"Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman" is as delicate a film as a feather to a sword. It follows the blind massuer of the title who has taken up the ways of the sword as he... Read more
Published on December 7, 2003 by Charles E. Bradshaw

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series
No matter how many times I watch this, its still as good as ever!
Published on October 21, 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars An outlaw that lives with honor, and kills by stealth...
This is very enjoyable. I thought to myself as soon as I put it on, "This is gonna be boring." As soon as I witnessed the dialog, I thought, "This is gonna be VERY enjoyable! Read more
Published on May 11, 2003 by Young Jedi Master OobieDoob Sc...

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