New Zatoichi!! Sort of...

[Robert Wetherelt]

I just bought the 2003 remake( or re-imagining ) of the Zatoichi legend DVD. And it is a pretty good film! Really different. It's got at least 3 or 4 story threads going through it. From the two geisha who aren't what they seem ,the unlucky gambler nephew of the farmer Ichi is staying with, the two rival gangs fighting it out for control of a small town, to the tale of Zatoichi himself. Having gotten used to Katsu Shintaro's series of Zatoichi adventures, I wasn't too sure about seeing someone elses interpretation of the blind massuer/gambler/swordsman role.But,Takeshi Kitano does an excellent job. This flick has been around since 2003 ,but, it took a good price to finally persuade me to pick it up and am I glad that I did! The only slight drawback is that all of the blood in the swordfights is done with CGI, but, I guess it's just a sign of the times. And the little double twist at the end is a nice touch. I highly recomend this movie! At least give it a rent. Abayo!

[Steve Hubbell]

I have not seen this one yet, but I hear there is an "interesting" dance sequence at the end....

Have you checked out any of the Zatoichi television episodes that have been released on DVD yet?

Abayo....

[Robert Wetherelt]

Sorry...me again. Has anuone else seen this film? If so, what are your opinions?

[go]

Dear Readers,
In my opinion, i loved this movie.
This is an homage to all of the Zatoichi movies.
Beat Takashi is one of my favorite actors.
Look for the dvd edition giving you Sonatine (modern day yakuza movie with Beat) as a bonus.
Please notice there are several "dance" scenes including farmers and woodworkers.
The grand finale includes morphing that is awesome!
I hope you will not be disappointed.
Best wishes to all!
go

[Stan Sakai]

It's a fun movie, and Beat Takashi makes a terrific (though blonde) Zatoichi.

It has some nice CGI, like the guy getting his fingers cut off. That big dance sequence really threw me the first time I saw it, but now I think it's one of the highlights of the movie.

[Robert Wetherelt]

It's sort of like Riverdance meets Tap Dogs. And at first seems a little out of place,but,they are celebrating getting rid of the two warring gangs. I can live with it. Tap-ita,tap-ita,tap!