Given that there are 25 other films and 4 seasons depicting the blind swordsman, Shintaro Katsu’s Zatoichi can seem a bit redundant. To a certain extent, it is, as the action set pieces call back to earlier standout moments and the length can feel a tad bloated, so fans of Ichi might find this conclusion still classic, but nothing particularly novel. That being said, with Katsu directing the conclusion after portraying the character for so long, it’s no surprise that everything the Zatoichi is known for– the action, the humor, and the swordfighting– is dialled up to eleven, with a slightly darker and more stylistic tinge that brings the swordsman to better fit the newer decade. Fans would already have their opinions on this film, but for new viewers, Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally might find it as a straight-to-the-point snapshot of this classic 70s franchise.
Older, wiser but still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi seeks a peaceful life in a rural village. When he's caught in the middle of a power struggle between two rival Yakuza clans, his reputation as a deadly defender of the innocent is put to the ultimate test in a series of sword-slashing showdowns.
After decades as a wandering loner, the blind swordsman Ichi seeks a peaceful life in the countryside, but finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between two rival Yakuza clans.
The 80’s English language theme song halfway through the film can be kinda jarring, but 80s theme songs have the most earnest and dramatic vibe that weirdly fits with Zatoichi’s whole deal.
Literally the end of an era. Maybe at a time post-Marvel Cinematic Universe, a franchise with 26 films isn’t that long, but it’s still pretty insane.
