Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman

[Control]

In anticipation of Criterion's announced boxset, I thought I'd start a thread about everyone's favourite blind, sword-wielding masseur.

 

I've only seen two Zatoichi films: the first, and MEETS YOJIMBO. I liked both, but wasn't blown away by either. What are some of the better titles?

[Jingus]

I've only seen Meets Yojimbo and Takeshi Kitano's weird remake.  They seemed pleasant enough, though I dunno how I could possibly maintain my interest in the same things happening for thirty movies in a row.  

[Tele-Viper]

I love the Zatoichi series. You really can't go wrong with any of them. There's a formula though so watching too many in a row can get redundant. Here are my favorites: Zatoichi's Cane Sword, Zatoichi's Flashing Sword, Zatoichi's Conspiracy

[Justin877]

I like the old black and whites including the TV series.  They do get formulaic as Tele-Viper mentioned.  I do like the remakes as well though, especially Ichi with the female protagonist.

[J.T.]

I was always a fan of Zatoichi; The Fugitive.  It has my favorite iajutusu scene.

 

 

They are very formulaic as Televiper said, but I love the "retired gun" vibe that most Zatoichi movies (they are pretty much Spaghetti westerns in texture) have and I am a sucker for feudal Japanese period pieces anyway.