First in a line of twenty-six(!) samurai movies about a blind master swordsman who roams the countryside, conning the con-men and dicing the wannabe tough guys. In this chapter, Zatoichi accepts the hospitality of a small-time yakuza boss and allows himself to be enlisted into a simmering turf war. He finds a kindred spirit in an opposing ronin, a fellow pawn in the schemes of others, and mourns that their fates seem destined to converge in a duel.
The Tale of Zatoichi contains very little action, only a few lightning-fast demonstrations before the big battle at the end, but that restraint is careful and deliberate. In lieu of bloodier material, we learn to appreciate Ichi's meditative nature, recognize the shades of grey in his surroundings, enjoy the scenery of a small feudal village and anticipate the inevitability of the moment he finally bares his blade. Shintaro Katsu is calm and confident in that leading role, carrying himself with composed dignity while also selling the gravity of his handicap. As the supporting cast makes light of his condition and underestimates his capabilities, we observe his keener senses of hearing and smell, aides which he keeps to himself, and note the quiet stock he takes of everyone milling about.
At heart, this is a straightforward example of the genre. It hits many of the same notes you'll see in its contemporaries - strict code of honor, cynical worldview, reluctant violence, understated emotions - but it does these things well and is old enough that it could probably be credited with popularizing a few of them. I'm looking forward to watching this character develop.
