Zatoichi Challenged (1967)

In the heart of Japan, the wandering masseur and skillful swordsman, Zatoichi, finds himself bound by the dying plea of a woman at an inn. Entrusted with the task of uniting her young son with his estranged father - a struggling artist residing in a nearby town, Ichi embarks on a journey laced with duty and honor. Upon reaching the town, he encounters a twisted web of exploitation and corruption. The artist, ensnared by a ruthless local boss, has been coerced into crafting illegal, valuable pornography to settle his burdensome gambling debts. This revelation ignites a spark in Ichi, who pledges to rescue the artist and restore the shattered family, even if it means courting danger. His resolve is tested when he clashes with a samurai he had previously struck a tenuous friendship with during his voyage to the town. Further complications arise as the law sets its sight on executing the artist, pushing Ichi to an edge. Now, caught in a high-stakes race against time and the law, Ichi must draw upon his strength and cunning to navigate this perilous terrain. In this gripping tale, Zatoichi finds himself not just a protector but a challenger - defying the law to uphold justice, battling powerful foes to safeguard a family, and confronting his own moral boundaries to fulfill a solemn promise.

Zatoichi Challenged is an action movie featuring Shintarō Katsu and directed by Kenji Misumi.

Zatoichi Challenged is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

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