Fight, Zatoichi, Fight

When a woman traveling with her infant son is killed in an ambush meant to kill Zatoichi, he vows to return the child to its father in a distant town, while still being pursued by hired assassins. This flick adds a layer of humanity to Ichi, as he bonds with the baby over several scenes. Also, someone finally tries gaining an advantage by confusing Ichi's sense of hearing, and the final battle features Katsu fighting while on fire! Great music, tons of scraps and a surprisingly bleak ending.

Another awesome Zatoichi adventure. Surprisingly it's mostly an engaging character drama on the road. Actual emotional depth & complex ethical issues thrown about in enjoyably pulpy fashion. Ichi works so well because of the bitter irony of his existence. He's a humble & virtuous (yet imperfect) hero in a brutal world that constantly challenges his integrity & shuns him for it. A kickass movie despite the sparsity of literal ass kicking. Although the final fight does have Ichi literally on fire.

An interesting but much quieter less violent chapter for zatoichi. The story flows very naturally as we see zatoichi become attached to the baby but his violent world lurks around every corner. Hardly any swordplay until the short but sweet finale. Kind of funny that Misimi made this less violent entry and would go on to direct the same idea made extremely violent with the lone wolf and cub series.

This odd little entry in the series is more comic than usual focusing quite a lot on Zatiochi's struggle to wash diapers and nurse the baby. It does lead to a pretty cool climax where Zatoichi fights off a gang of men while being set on fire .. and he gets a love interest too.

A simple but clear and emotional plot really makes a difference. For once it doesn't matter that the action is lacking until the end, because this story really makes the characters shine and the movie becomes an involving and engaging experience in a way most of it's predecessors hasn't.

Not interested.

2nd viewing

I was a little put off by this film's synopsis, expecting some sort of cornball "man doesn't know what to do with a baby" type comedy. A pleasant surprise. After all, it's a refreshing change of pace from the recycled plotting of earlier installments. This is the only time Ichi has been able to actually consummate his affections, bonding more with the child than his female suitors. Kenji Misumi, director of the original film, does well here by returning the series to character and sentiment.

The baby actually adds a lot of interest to the story without overburdening us with the usual array of new characters. The pee gags are overplayed, but Ichi's novel approach to finding a babysitter was amusing. The final fight is good but too short. The story, while pleasant, is a bit dull and the swordplay is rather glib. Compared to the previous two, Kazuo Ikehiro-directed, episodes, this return to original director Kenji Misumi seems like a step back to a safer, more mundane Zatoichi film.

A sad story that's still filled with humor. Ichi's final firefight is an amazing scene with great stunt work.