NEW TALE OF ZATOICHI
(Aka: Massuese Ichi Enters Again; Zatoichi Enters Again; Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman's Return)(Japanese Title: Shin Zatoichi Monogartari)
(1963 - Japan)
With Shintaro Katsu, Mikiko Tsubouchi, Chitose Maki, Mieko Kondo, Hajime Mitamura
Directed by Tokuzo Tanaka
Reviewed by JB
Master Ichi is back,
and more self-loathing than ever!
The third entry of
the series,
and the first one filmed in color, features a nuanced
and powerful performance by Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi the
Blind
Masseuse. In this film, Ichi returns to his old stomping
grounds and revisits the master who taught him how to use a sword four
years before. Unfortunately, he finds the town infested with
thieves and murderers, including some who are holding major grudges
against the masseuse for his actions of the first two films, so it
isn't long before Ichi-san is once again doling out life lessons using
the tip of his sword as his own personal Power Point program.
(One life lesson: When Master Ichi gives you a massage, don't stiff him
on the fee!)
Like Zatoichi wanders in
search of food and shelter, the film wanders in search of a
plot. The first half of the film, although filled with
pleasant and even exciting vignettes, is unfocused. Bad guys
keep popping up, each seemingly wanting to be the film's major villain,
but it is not until Ichi receives a surprise proposal from his former
teacher's sister that the film finally coalesces into something really
special. Katsu's portrayal of a humbled and emotional Ichi
who has pledged his heart and soul to a woman is completely believable
and heartbreaking. Although Ichi promises to become an
"honest man" (no more gambling, whoring and killing), circumstances
beyond his control force his hand, leaving the countryside littered
with bodies. As one would expect, true happiness is not in
the dice for Master Ichi. Nor for nine out of every ten
people who cross his path.
If you enjoy the character of
Zatoichi and the superb actor who plays him, the flaws of this film
will go down easily and the highlights (the second half) will be what
you remember. 
½ - JB
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Copyright © 2008 John V. Brennan, John Larrabee