Rent Zatoichi (2003)
3.8 of 5 from 218 ratings
1h 51min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Cult filmmaker Takeshi Kitano's dazzling new film is a thrilling tale of swordplay and adventure set in 19th Century Japan. Zatoichi is a blind wanderer whose humble facade disguises his prodigious skills as a master swordsman, gifted with a lightning fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Arriving in a remote mountain town, he finds its people terrorised by the ruthless Ginzo gang and their mighty samurai ronin Hattori (Tadanobu Asano), who mercilessly dispose of all who get in their way. With his legendary cane sword at his side, Zatoichi's path is destined for many violent confrontations...
- Actors:
- Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Yui Natsukawa, Michiyo Ôkusu, Taka Guadalcanal, Daigorô Tachibana, Yûko Daike, Ittoku Kishibe, Saburô Ishikura, Akira Emoto, Ben Hiura, Kohji Miura, Hideboh, Ron II, Suji, Noriyasu, Makoto Ashikawa, Tsumami Edamame, Kosuke Ohta, Yoshiyuki Morishita
- Directors:
- Takeshi Kitano
- Writers:
- Takeshi Kitano, Kan Shimozawa
- Aka:
- Zatôichi
- Studio:
- Artificial Eye Film Company Ltd.
- Genres:
- Action & Adventure, Comedy, Drama
- Collections:
- Best Film Quests and Adventures, Lions on the Lido
- Countries:
- Japan
- Awards:
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 27/10/2008
- Run Time:
- 111 minutes
- Languages:
- Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Subtitles:
- English
- DVD Regions:
- Region 2
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 2.35:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- Bonus:
- Making of Documentary
- Creative Team Interviews - Takeshi Kitano, Fight Choreographer, Production Designer, Director of Photography, Composer, Dance Choreographer & Sound Designer
- Theatrical Trailer
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Reviews (4) of Zatoichi
Beautiful and brilliant. - Zatoichi review by CP Customer
Zatoichi revolves around the character of Ichi, an unassuming travelling blind masseur, who despite being blind happens to be a master swordsman. With a blade concealed within his walking cane he uses his finely tuned senses of hearing and smell to guide him in his battles. On his travels Ichi enters a town in which several gangs are involved in a power struggle to take control of the town and its population. One gang eventually gains the upper hand and soon makes life a living hell for the locals. When Ichi befriends a local woman and her nephew they reveal the network of crime and corruption that plague their lives, he then sets out to deal justice and bring harmony back to the town. Overall, 'Zatoichi' is a great Japanese period piece that seamlessly mixes action, drama, comedy and some clever special effects. Be warned though, it's not a film for the fainthearted, the violence and gore levels are pretty high with blood nearly flying off the screen, although like Tarantino's 'Kill Bill', director Takeshi Kitano cleverly manages to create something artistically beautiful out of the blood and carnage. Exciting, funny, poignant, and beautiful to watch, highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Asian cinema.
2 out of 4 members found this review helpful.
Typical - Zatoichi review by CP Customer
An excellent film of the genre, won't disappoint.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Humm, I'll give it three stars - Zatoichi review by CP Customer
I'd say it was a watchable outing but it's hardly ground breaking in what happens and not much in the way of a twisty plot either. This is no Harakiri (which is a large measure better).
I hadn't realized that Zatoichi (the character) had a much longer history than this single film which might explain why there's not much in the way of a backstory. Near enough the people turn up and chop each other to bits. These effects are gory enough, though as they are drawn directly onto the frames they are wobbly and are much more comical than special.
Still, it's watchable and a better than sitting through Venom.
Not sure what was going through anyone's mind that there needed to be a dance act at the end though ....
0 out of 1 members found this review helpful.