The Tale Of Zatoichi
The Zatoichi franchise has a list of movies as long as my arm. The series kicked off back in 1962 with The Tale Of Zatoichi, brought to you by Daiei Film, famous for their epic historical flicks. Directed by Kenji Misumi and starring the incomparable Shintaro Katsu, this film introduces us to Zatoichi, a blind masseur packing some serious sword skills and a fondness for a bit of gambling.
The story revolves around Zatoichi’s bond with another bodyguard, Hirate. Things get dicey when they find themselves working for rival clans in a local village. There’s a love interest is also thrown into the mix, giving this tale more layers than your average samurai flick.
Don’t take me for a fool just because I’m blind. Is Iioka full of filthy money-grubbers like you? No wonder it stinks here.
Now, here’s the kicker — The Tale Of Zatoichi wasn’t meant to be the start of a franchise, but boy, did it kick things off with a bang! Misumi’s direction, paired with Katsu’s mesmerizing portrayal of the iconic Zatoichi, created a visually stunning masterpiece that set the bar high for the entire series. Shot in glorious black and white, this film is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking cinematography and action scenes that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
The Tale Of Zatoichi is also about a man searching for redemption. Katsu’s performance as Zatoichi is a perfect mix of brooding intensity and melancholy, making him one hell of a compelling character. And let’s not forget the chemistry between Katsu and his co-stars, especially Shigeru Amachi and Masayo Banri, adding layers upon layers to this gripping story.
Even though it wasn’t initially meant to be a franchise-starter, The Tale Of Zatoichi laid down the foundation for one heck of a successful franchise. It introduced audiences to a character like no other, and boy, did it set the stage for what was to come. With its gripping story, breathtaking cinematography, and unforgettable performances, it’s no wonder that the Zatoichi series has stood the test of time.
