Samaritan Zatoichi (1968)

In the dark underbelly of a world marred by crime, the blind swordsman Zatoichi finds himself ensnared in a web of deception weaved by a ruthless yakuza boss. Unbeknownst to Zatoichi, he is manipulated into becoming the grim reaper for a young man entangled in the insidious tendrils of debt. In a cruel twist of fate, the slain man's sister, Osode, emerges from the shadows bearing the weight of sacrifice, her own dignity traded to settle her brother's debts. But the yakuza boss, a serpent concealed in the silk of nobility, reveals his true venomous nature. No amount of gold can quench his avarice as he attempts to claim Osode, despite her successful repayment of her brother's debt. Under the pall of regret and guilt, Zatoichi comes to the harsh realization of the injustice he has unknowingly been a part of. As the storm of conflict brews, Zatoichi and Osode find themselves trapped in an intricate dance of dependence and distrust. Osode is torn between the bitter resentment for her brother's killer and the desperate need for his protection. Zatoichi, on the other hand, grapples with the remorse of his fatal error and the newfound resolve to shield Osode from the ominous gang. "Samaritan Zatoichi" paints a poignant tale of redemption and survival, where the lines blur between the innocent and the guilty, set against the grim backdrop of crime and corruption. This riveting narrative intricately intertwines the threads of moral dilemma, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Samaritan Zatoichi is an action movie featuring Shintarō Katsu.

Samaritan Zatoichi is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Samaritan Zatoichi on Amazon Video and Apple TV.