The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

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116 min - Action | Comedy | Crime - 6 September 2003 (Japan)

7.6

Ratings: 7.6/10 from 27,894 users Metascore: 75/100
Reviews: 177 user | 177 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com

The blind masseur/swordsman comes to a town in control of warring gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women with their own agenda.

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21 wins & 10 nominations See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
	Takeshi Kitano	...	Zatôichi / Ichi (as Beat Takeshi)
	Tadanobu Asano	...	Hattori Genosuke
	Michiyo Ohkusu	...	Aunt Oume
	Gadarukanaru Taka	...	Shinkichi
	Daigorô Tachibana	...	Geisha Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto
	Yûko Daike	...	Geisha Okinu Naruto
	Yui Natsukawa	...	O-Shino, Hattori's Wife
	Ittoku Kishibe	...	Boss Inosuke Ginzo
	Saburô Ishikura	...	Boss Tashichi Ogi
	Akira Emoto	...	Tavern Owner Pops
	Ben Hiura	...	Tavern Gramps
	Kohji Miura	...	Lord Sakai
	Hideboh	...	Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)
	Ron II	...	Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)
	Suji	...	Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)

Full cast and crew »

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Storyline

Blind Zatoichi makes his living by gambling and giving massages. But behind his humble facade, Zatoichi is a master swordsman, gifted with lightning-fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Zatoichi wanders into a town run by sinister gangs and a powerful samurai. He's destined for violent showdowns when he stumbles on two beautiful geishas avenging their parents' murder... Duels, wit and a touch of zen! Cult anti-hero Zatoichi is back in a sword-fighting adventure written, directed and starring Takeshi Kitano. Written by intlpress@aol.com

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Taglines:

His Sword Made Him a Hero... His Courage Made Him a Legend. This Summer, Justice is Blind.

Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Music

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong stylized bloody violence See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »

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Details

Official Sites:

Artificial Eye [uk] | BAC Films [France] | See more »

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

6 September 2003 (Japan) See more »

Also Known As:

Takeshi Kitano's Zatoichi See more »

Filming Locations:

Eiga-mura, Kanami, Kanae-chô, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan See more »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,424,807 (Japan) (7 September 2003) (219 Screens)

Gross:

$853,718 (USA) (26 September 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Asahi National Broadcasting Company, Bandai Visual Company, DENTSU Music And Entertainment See more »

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

See full technical specs »

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Did You Know?

Trivia

"Zatô" was the lowest of the four official ranks (kan'i) within the Tôdô-za - the Kyôto-based guild for the blind established early in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), and abolished in 1871 (the fourth year of the Meiji Restoration). The three other ranks, in ascending order, were "kôtô", "bettô", and "kengyô" - as in Agent Shiranui. See more »

Quotes

Shinkichi: I have to say, it's incredible. You really look like a woman! Does make-up make men beautiful?
Geisha Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto: It doesn't work on everyone. It depends on the face!
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Connections

Referenced in Death Proof (2007) See more »

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)
Zatôichi (original title)

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