Zatoichi in Desperation (1972)
"Shin Zatôichi monogatari: Oreta tsue" (original title)

Director:

Shintarô Katsu

Writers:

Minoru Inuzuka, Kan Shimosawa (story)

Stars:

Shintarô Katsu, Kiwako Taichi, Kyoko Yoshizawa

Cast

Credited cast:
Shintarô Katsu	...	Zatoichi
Kiwako Taichi	...	Nishikigi
Kyoko Yoshizawa	...	Kaede
Yasuhiro Koume	...	Shinkichi
Katsuo Nakamura	...	Ushimatsu
Asao Koike	...	Boss Mangoro Kagiya
Jôji Takagi	...	Kamijo
Masumi Harukawa	...	Hama
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Yoshihiko Aoyama	...	Takujiro
Yûtarô Ban
Tamoisu Fujiharu
Jun Fujikawa
John Fujioka	...	Kagiya yakuza
Takaji Fukui
Rokku Furukawa

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

sword | katana sword | stabbed in the hand | sword fight | martial arts | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama

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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

21 February 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Zatoichi in Desperation

Company Credits

Production Co:

Katsu Production Co. Ltd., Toho Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Follows Zatoichi's Vengeance (1966)

User Reviews

Katsu directs the darkest of all Zatoichi films

Katsu Productions was at a high level of output at this time. Katsu was producing the Zatoichi series, the Lone Wolf series, the Hanzo the Razor trilogy, the Mute Samurai television series and the Lone Wolf television series. All within a span of two years. In addition to acting in several of these efforts (of course) he also took the director's chair on several occasions. This man had a lot of energy.

While sometimes actors who take the helm show a lack of concern with the visuals preferring to focus on the performances, Katsu is an exception. The visual style here is unlike any other Zatoichi I've seen and in fact unlike most other chambara films. Everything is shot in deep focus with moody lighting and stark saturated colors. The style is somber and depressing. The next (and last in the series) Zatoichi film is back to the standard look. If you like this film I would suggest looking into Katsu's Oshi Samurai series which continues the atmosphere.

One of the best Zatoichi films but not similar to the others. Recommended but prepare for a somber experience.