MOVIE REVIEW
The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Year Released: 2003, 2024 Imprint Asia Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director(s): Takeshi Kitano
Writer(s): Takeshi Kitano, Kan Shimozawa
Cast: Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Michiyo Yasuda, Yui Natsukawa, Guadalcanal Taka, Daigorô Tachibana, Yuko Daike, Ittoku Kishibe, Saburo Ishikura, Akira Emoto
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.viavision.com.au, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride through Japan's contrasting landscapes with Takeshi Kitano’s THE BLIND SWORDSMAN. This film is about more than fights and sword clashes; it delves into arguments of justice and morality. Kitano does double duty as director and lead, portraying Zatoichi, a blind masseur whose disability masks his deadly prowess. Beyond its action-packed sequences, the film injects a good dose of Kitano's subtle humor, making it a multifaceted narrative.

In THE BLIND SWORDSMAN, Zatoichi enters a mountain village plagued by mobsters, weaving his way into the lives of Oume (Michiyo Yasuda) and her nephew, Shinkichi (Taka Guadalcanal,)who is battling a gambling addiction. This village, rife with desperation, sets the stage for a more significant confrontation involving family honor and personal vendettas.

Kitano's performance as Zatoichi mixes iron resolve with gentle wit, adding light moments to an otherwise intense drama. The storyline thickens as Zatoichi assists siblings disguised as geishas seeking revenge for past tragedies, intertwining themes of vengeance with those of healing and redemption.

The action set pieces of THE BLIND SWORDSMAN offer a visual feast, blending traditional samurai combat with flashy early 2000s CGI enhancements. While the digital effects might not have aged well and didn’t necessarily sit well with some, they add a dynamic rhythm to the combat scenes, ensuring the audience remains riveted.

Kitano’s craftsmanship extends beyond sword fights; he introduces eclectic musical interludes, including dancing, that create a unique texture to the film. These unconventional performances within the samurai genre underscore Kitano’s innovative directorial style.

Supporting Kitano, Tadanobu Asano's portrayal of Hattori, a samurai wrestling with ethical dilemmas, deepens the story. His nuanced performance enhances the film's exploration of themes such as duty and honor in a chaotic world.

THE BLIND SWORDSMAN does encounter some narrative snags, particularly with the protracted subplot involving the Geisha siblings. Important though it may be, this subplot occasionally disrupts the film's pacing.

Despite these hiccups, the film is a vibrant reimagining of the samurai genre. Kitano’s portrayal of Zatoichi offers more than the traditional warrior archetype; it’s a complex character study set against a critique of societal norms.

Ultimately, in the end, THE BLIND SWORDSMAN offers a compelling mix of old-school samurai cinema and modern storytelling flair. While its style might not appeal to everyone, its narrative and intricate character development make it a standout in Kitano's filmography.

Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray 
NEW Audio Commentary by film historian and author Sean Redmond 
The Making Of The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi 
Crew Interviews
Theatrical Trailer
Audio Japanese DTS HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0 Stereo
English Subtitles
Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Limited edition slipcase with unique artwork

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[photo courtesy of IMPRINT ASIA, VIA VISION]

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