This is one of my favorite films in the Zatoichi series. The opening film credit scene is amazing. This scene is a superbly choreographed, artistic display of swordsmanship that takes place on a darkened stage with three attacks on Zatoichi. Katsu Shintaro shows that the sword is an integral part of the Zatoichi story, and he is a master of the iai style of combat.
In this film Zatoichi is shown no respect. He is mistrusted by farmers, shown disdain by government officials, and finally whipped by a samurai. The samurai villain is played by Katsu's real-life brother, Tomisaburo Wakayama. In one scene Wakayama shows an incredible sword drawing technique that is as equally impressive as Katsu's.
In the end, Zatoichi saves the day as always.
Yet, unlike in the fourth film The Fugitive where Zatoichi is able to shake of the trials and pain of his struggles and dances off to the horizon accompanied by some toe-tapping music, in the Chest of Gold Zatoichi has been abused and beaten so badly throughout the film that he can only manage to shuffle away towards the horizon as the farmers celebrate their good fortune in the distance. It's a poignant and sad scene.
In this film Zatoichi is shown no respect. He is mistrusted by farmers, shown disdain by government officials, and finally whipped by a samurai. The samurai villain is played by Katsu's real-life brother, Tomisaburo Wakayama. In one scene Wakayama shows an incredible sword drawing technique that is as equally impressive as Katsu's.
In the end, Zatoichi saves the day as always.
Yet, unlike in the fourth film The Fugitive where Zatoichi is able to shake of the trials and pain of his struggles and dances off to the horizon accompanied by some toe-tapping music, in the Chest of Gold Zatoichi has been abused and beaten so badly throughout the film that he can only manage to shuffle away towards the horizon as the farmers celebrate their good fortune in the distance. It's a poignant and sad scene.