Dir: Kenji Misumi
1962
*****
Zatoichi kicks ass. The first of an incredible 26 film series that had a TV series in the 70's and a handful of remakes since. Shintarô Katsu is Zatoichi, I'm the biggest Takeshi Kitano fan but his version has nothing on the original. Directed by Kenji Misumi who is probably more famous for the Lone Wolf and Cub / Baby cart films, this is an obvious influence on many a great film, not just Samurai films though I might add. If you're even vaguely interested in Samurai or eastern cinema, do yourself a favour and seek it out - then book a week off work to watch the next 25. You will not regret it.
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