Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.
This isn't arty violence, just violence, and pretty pedestrian for a samurai picture.
– Roger Moore,
Orlando Sentinel,
27 Aug 2004
fresh:
For those unfamiliar with such films, Zatoichi might be a little off-putting. But given a chance, the movie can be pretty entertaining.
– Bill Muller,
Arizona Republic,
30 Sep 2004
fresh:
However improbably, Kitano pulls it off quite gloriously. Admittedly, this isn't one of his most idiosyncratic, innovative or, indeed, satisfying works, but it's without doubt fast, funny, fabulous to behold.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
Zatoichi is a mix-and-match crowd-pleaser that shouldn't add up, but delightfully does.
– David Ansen,
Newsweek,
1 Nov 2007
fresh:
The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi begins life as a straight-up samurai movie, evolves into a slapstick comedy and ends as a rousing, tap-dancing musical.