Zatoichi (2003)

In the murky shadows of feudal Japan, the seemingly unassuming Zatôichi (Takeshi Kitano) arrives in a village throttled by the iron fists of three malevolent overlords - Inosuke Ginzo (Ittoku Kishibe), Tashichi Ogi (Saburo Ishikura), and Funahachi (Koji Koike). Zatôichi, a blind masseur and former samurai, wields a deceptive guise; beneath his modest gambler exterior lies an unparalleled swordsman, armed with lightning-quick reflexes and a deadly precision that can make even the most formidable tremble. Befriending an old woman's hapless nephew, Zatôichi's journey into this den of tyranny intertwines with the poignant tale of Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto (Daigorô Tachibana) and Okinu Naruto (Yuuko Daike), geishas with a vendetta. Driven by the haunting echoes of their parents' death, the duo's relentless pursuit of vengeance leads them to the very heart of the village's corruption. As the ronin Hattori Genosuke (Tadanobu Asano) pledges his lethal services to Ginzo, a rapidly spiralling cascade of power plays and betrayals tightens its grip on the village. Amidst this chaos, Zatôichi finds himself drawn into an inevitable whirlpool of violent showdowns. His humble facade gradually peels away to reveal the fierce samurai spirit within, igniting a thrilling clash of steel, wit, and zen. Takeshi Kitano's Zatôichi is a captivating fusion of raw intensity and poignant narratives, painting a vivid portrait of a man caught between two worlds, and a village teetering on the edge of destruction. This is not just a tale of revenge and redemption, but an exhilarating sword-fighting adventure that breathes new life into the legend of the iconic, enigmatic anti-hero - Zatôichi.

Zatoichi is an action movie featuring Yoji Tanaka.

Zatoichi is currently streaming on CBS and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel .

It is also possible to buy Zatoichi on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.