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The Tale of Zatoichi

Original title: Zatôichi monogatari
  • 1962
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
5.5K
YOUR RATING
The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
ActionAdventureDrama

The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur who also happens to be a master swordsman.The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur who also happens to be a master swordsman.The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur who also happens to be a master swordsman.

  • Director
    • Kenji Misumi
  • Writers
    • Minoru Inuzuka
    • Kan Shimozawa
  • Stars
    • Shintarô Katsu
    • Masayo Banri
    • Ryûzô Shimada
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    5.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Kenji Misumi
    • Writers
      • Minoru Inuzuka
      • Kan Shimozawa
    • Stars
      • Shintarô Katsu
      • Masayo Banri
      • Ryûzô Shimada
    • 32User reviews
    • 44Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Photos38

    The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shigeru Amachi and Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shintarô Katsu and Michirô Minami in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shigeru Amachi and Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shigeru Amachi and Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shigeru Amachi and Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Masayo Banri and Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
    Shintarô Katsu in The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Shintarô Katsu
    Shintarô Katsu
    • Zatôichi…
    Masayo Banri
    Masayo Banri
    • Tane…
    Ryûzô Shimada
    Ryûzô Shimada
    • Shigezô of Sasagawa…
    Hajime Mitamura
    • Hanji of Matsugishi
    Shigeru Amachi
    Shigeru Amachi
    • Hirate, Miki
    Michirô Minami
    Michirô Minami
    • Tatekichi…
    Eijirô Yanagi
    Eijirô Yanagi
    • Sukegorô of Iioka…
    Toshio Chiba
    • Masakichi
    • (as Toshirô Chiba)
    • …
    Manabu Morita
    Manabu Morita
    • Seisuke…
    Yoshindo Yamaji
    • Yahei
    • (as Yoshito Yamaji)
    • …
    Yôichi Funaki
    • Yogorô…
    Eigorô Onoe
    • Rihei…
    Ikuko Môri
    Ikuko Môri
    • Yutaka…
    Chitose Maki
    • Yoshi…
    Kin'ya Ichikawa
    • Mokichi…
    Jun Fujikawa
    • Iioka yakuza
    Yukio Horikita
    • Kanaji…
    Yûji Hamada
    • Iioka yakuza member
    • Director
      • Kenji Misumi
    • Writers
      • Minoru Inuzuka
      • Kan Shimozawa
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Hanji's wife Yoshi practices "ohaguro" (literally: "black teeth.") In many areas of Asia, blackened teeth were considered a sign of beauty and maturity. In Japan, the practice was banned by the government in 1870.
    • Goofs
      When Hirate and Zatoichi are about to fight near the end, the horn of a modern ship can be heard in the background.
    • Quotes

      Zatôichi: [after asking Zatoichi what she would do with having so many children] Just don't raise them to be gangsters.

      Tane: I won't... But why do you say that?

      Zatôichi: Because to be a gangster is a foolish way to live.

      Tane: Then why don't you live a decent life?

      Zatôichi: It's like being stuck in a bog; it's not easy to pull yourself out once you've fallen in.

    • Connections
      Featured in Best in Action: 1961 (2018)

    User reviews32

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    A swordsman whose words speak louder than his weapons
    The Tale of Zatoichi is the first in a long series of samurai movies centered around the blind gambler and masseur turned lowly yakuza who has a strong moral compass and makes us feel empathic not because he is blind and underestimated but because he is brave and honest as he always tries to do the right thing. This first movie is one out of two shot in black and white and has a unique atmosphere that makes life in rural Japan come to life in an authentic manner. This film shows how Zatoichi gets caught up in a war between two rival gangs. Even though he isn't respected by the gang he is supposed to represent and uncovers unfair gambling methods, misogyny and murder, he has accepted the fate that he has to live the life of a lowly criminal that he never really wanted. He develops a profound friendship with the rival's ronin who suffers from tuberculosis as they have similar values and share a passion for fishing and sake. However, one day, the two friends know they must face each other in a decisive battle.

    There are several elements that make this movie so outstanding. First of all, the film's authentic settings bring the culture and history of rural Japan to life in a very authentic way. Secondly, the protagonist convinces as a man who relies on his moral compass and cleverness first and foremost and only draws a sword if he doesn't have any other choice. Thirdly, the numerous side characters are quite interesting as well, especially Zatoichi's wise opponent Hirate, the ruthless criminal Tate and his proud but desperate sister Otane who ends up falling in love with Zatoichi. Fourthly, the dialogues are really to the point and add something to characters and plot unlike many contemporary martial arts flicks. Fifthly, the few fight sequences in the movie are carefully choreographed and would go on to inspire any other genre film that would follow this movie.

    By today's standards, The Tale of Zatoichi might not be the most vivid genre film but it's crafted in an artistic, detailed and intellectual manner that still stands out far over five decades after its initial release. Any martial arts fan should give this movie a chance. I would highly recommend the stunning Criterion Collection of the Zatoichi movies that truly offers value for money. Movies of this quality are rarely made nowadays and should be hold in high regard.
    helpful•7
    0
    • kluseba
    • Jan 15, 2018

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    FAQ6

    • How and when did Zatoichi become blind?
    • What is a yakuza?
    • How old is Zatoichi?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 18, 1962 (Japan)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Language
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Повість про Затоічі
    • Production company
      • Daiei
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 35 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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