The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

In the heart of a world where respect comes at the edge of a sword, an unlikely hero emerges from the shadows. Zatoichi, once a humble blind masseur, is forced to become a mercenary swordsman, his only quest being a pursuit of dignity. This captivating tale marks the dawn of novelist Kan Shimozawa's iconic Zatoichi series, magnificently brought to life by the multifaceted Shintaro Katsu, and masterfully directed by Kenji Misumi. The story unfolds in a yakuza-ruled village teetering on the brink of war with a rival gang. Zatoichi, the cunning swordsman, challenges these odds, his blind eyes seeing more than meets the sighted. An intriguing game of dice sets the stage, where he outsmarts local gamblers, scoffing at his audacity yet falling prey to his wits. The stakes rise as the governor grants free reign to the yakuza, bringing Zatoichi into their crosshairs. Bearing the burden of his outlaw status, Zatoichi finds an unlikely companion in an honorable samurai hired by the rival gang. Their bond, marked by shared respect and an underlying dread of the samurai's lingering illness, adds a poignant depth to this narrative. As the plot thickens, Zatoichi's tale weaves an intricate tapestry of courage, honor, and the complexities of human nature.

The Tale of Zatoichi is an action movie featuring Shintarō Katsu and directed by Kenji Misumi.

The Tale of Zatoichi is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Tale of Zatoichi on Amazon Video and Apple TV.