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Zatoichi 11" x 14" Reproduction Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $9.99

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Editorial Review:

This 11" x 14" reproduction poster is from "Zatoichi" (2003)

Zatoichi 11"x17" Framed Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics - Model: FMP252556 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

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Features:

• Constructed from high-quality anodized black aluminum
• Mounting hardware for hanging the frames is included
• Specially designed for 11" x 17" posters

Editorial Review:

This 11"x17" framed poster is from "Zatoichi" (2003)

Zatoichi 11"x17" Framed Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics - Model: FMP237611 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

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Features:

• Constructed from high-quality anodized black aluminum
• Mounting hardware for hanging the frames is included
• Specially designed for 11" x 17" posters

Editorial Review:

This 11"x17" framed poster is from "Zatoichi" (2003)

Shin Zatoichi/Ofukuro Nyobo

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Zatoichi Blind Swordsman:The Samarita

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $7.70

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

#18: DARKER AND MORE REALISTIC VILLIANS 4 out of 5 stars.
88 of 88 people found this review helpful.

One of the major differences in this Zatocihi episode from previous ones is that the "bad-guys" seem to be more realistic in this film. In many of the past Ichi films the villians seemed liked bumbling idiots. In this one, director Kimiyoshi Yasuda, who directed several of the Zatocihi episodes, gives the villians a more realistic feeling. Also, the film is quite brutal. And although there is the standard Zatoichi fare that follows almost all of the episodes, this one stands out with just a little bit more in violence.[Such as chopped off limbs]

One of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema is also in the film: [Takashi Shimura] of "Ikiru" fame stars as Dr.Junan. It is always a treat to see him in any film. And especially in the Zatoichi series. The cinemantography is not as good as many of the earlier episodes, or the later ones for that matter. Little of the Japanese countryside is shown in the film. Also, there is less humor from Ichi that had become his established trademark in earlier episodes. And as for Ichi's cane-sword, well fans of his will not be disappointed in his usual high body count at the end of the film. I found the film highly enjoyable [not great] but enjoyable, and would recommend it to all.

Zatoichi:Masseur Ichi on the Road

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $12.38

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

#5: ANOTHER ENTERTAINING ZATOICIHI EPISODE 4 out of 5 stars.
100 of 100 people found this review helpful.

"You switched the dice, I can tell by the sound," says Ichi to the gambler opposite him: and with a quick flash from his cane-sword, the 5th entry to the Zatoichi series opens up. They just keep on getting better. While being led to Doyoma, as an invited guest, Ichi and his escort are ambushed by a group on 'goons' hired to kill him. This motley group of killers have been hired by yakuza thug Jingoro [Ryuzo Shimada]. Jingoro works for the Boss, Tobei [Sonosuke Sawamura]. And once again Ichi finds himself fighting the "bad-guys."

Zatoichi encounters a dying man on the road, who asks Ichi to save his daughter and take her to Edo. The daughter, Mitsu [Shiho Fujimura] is from a very wealthy family and is wanted by yakuza thugs who hope to ransom her. Moreover, a corrupt yakuza lord states that Ichi has been paid to fight for him, and this brings a price on Ichi's head [what else is new?] Therefore, Ichi now has many yakuza thugs after him. And still, he must get Mitsu to Edo. Mitsu goes through all sorts of trauma amongst the various factions out to claim her for the money--and it is up to Zatoichi to see that she arrives in Edo in one piece.

Can Ichi save the girl? Will she ever arrive at Edo? This 5th entry of the Zatoichi entry makes for a delightful watch. The cinematography is outstanding, the characters Ichi faces are as devious as ever, and Zatoichi continues his remarkable display of swordsmanship in this very entertaining episode of "ZATOICHI: ON THE ROAD." Highly recommended, this is a very good episode of the Zatoichi series.

Zatoichi - The Blind Swordsman's Vengeance

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $4.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

#13: ZATOICHI, TO DRAW THE SWORD OR NOT! 5 out of 5 stars.
101 of 101 people found this review helpful.

The 13th entry of Zatoichi starring Shintaro Katsu is a truly excellent film. The title, ZATOICHI'S VENGEANCE, is also an apt title for this wonderful film. Zatoichi meets a travelling, blind priest who questions Zatoichi's life: By telling Ichi to put away his sword. And although the ending is predictable as far a the Zatoichi series goes, this one adds a little more depth to the character Ichi, and the character actors in the film as well.

One of the many highlights of the film is when the villians who take on Zatoichi, do so with more intelligence than one would expect. For example, they beat upon drums to confuse his heightened sense of awareness--knowing that his ears have become his eyes, so to speak. About time someone figured that out. He has definetly become a feared and respected opponent. His reputation has become too well known, and no longer is he some blind masseur who can be easily slain.

Also, when Ichi is being beaten up in the film by the villians, he does not act against his agressors. He is protecting the young boy in his charge with more than just physical abuse by not reacting: Ichi does not want to show violence in front of the child. Maybe to set an example for the young boy? The young boy in the film looks up to Ichi. Is Ichi trying to set an example by turning the other cheek? As with the end of the film, when Ichi leaves the child, he does so for the boys sake. He knows that he is not the example the boy needs in his life. And as such, he shows that he is truly an example of a decent and honorable swordsman, whom others should have emulated. Highly recommended. [Stars: 5+]

NOTICE: VOL.#14, ZATOICHI'S PILGRIMAGE [ZATOCIHI UMI O WATARU] has not been released to my knowledge in the USA. Hopefully it will. I don't know why it has not been released.

Zatoichi The Blind Swordsman: Vols. 1-4

Amazon Price: $35.99 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Homevision - Model: DHVE3787D Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $24.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Blind Swordsman 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great examples of this cult classic. I have all 26 DVD's and find these to be the best of the bunch.

Excellent!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Every Saturday for the past few years I've arose on Saturday morning to watch a Samurai movie on International Film Channel. Since watching my first Zatoichi film I became a rabid fan of the series. My 4-volume set arrived this past Friday and I have already watched all four movies. Its a good thing I also ordered the 7-volume set.

The Blind Swordsmen movies are captivating in the way they are filmed. When it would have been easy to churn out a low budget action film, the producers of these movies took the high road and turned out films that are high quality in every way. Sure, there's the obligatory "blind swordsman wipes out two dozen samurai" stuff in it. But its all done in a believable way.

Zatoichi is a true antihero. Picture him as the Japanese version of the Lone Ranger, Marshall Dillon, Josie Wales, and John Wayne all rolled into one man. And Shintaro Katsu brings him to life in such a way that I cannot imagine anyone else playing Zatoichi. In fact, I was surprised to find out that Shintaro Katsu wasn't blind himself. He makes the part that believable.

Even if you've never seen a Zatoichi movie but you like samurai movies, I can promise you that you will not be disappointed in any of the Blind Swordsman movies.

Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 8 - Fight, Zatoichi, Fight

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Home Vision Entertainment Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $11.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

#8: A MAGNIFICENT ZATOICHI EPISODE 5 out of 5 stars.
78 of 78 people found this review helpful.

This 8th episode of the Zatoichi series is not to be missed: It is truly magnificent and entertaining. The film begins with a tragedy, [what else is new?] involving Ichi. He takes a ride in a palanquin; however, hearing a woman with a child in dire need of help, he gives her his seat in the palanquin and decides to walk the rest of the way. Unknown to him, a group of assassins is lurking nearby for him. Tragically, they attack the woman in the palanquin thinking that Ichi is inside. Feeling responsible, Ichi sets out to find the father of the infant. All the while these low-life samurai assassins are trailing him.

This clan of samurai assassin's tell Ichi that they have never failed a job yet. Little do they know that Zatoichi is no ordinary swordsman. Therefore, Ichi must hurry to his destination and get the baby to his father while eluding the paid killers. These killers have no scruples whatsoever: even trying to kill Ichi when he is changing the baby's diapers. So much for the Bushido code. There are many comical elements thrown in the film in regard to Ichi, the baby and a female pickpocket he teams up with on the road. Meanwhile, the journey Ichi undertakes in locating the father is fraught with peril.

When Ichi finally locates the father of the baby, Unosuke. The father denies the baby is his; and even denies the slain woman, Toyo, was his wife. Therefore, what is Ichi to do? Zatoichi has to deal with a confrontational father, decisions concerning the childs welfare, and the assassins still on his trail. What will become of the father? What about the baby? It all makes for a tragic conclusion. I will let you see for yourself, as this is a terrific Zatoichi episode. [Stars: 5+]


Beautifully fimed, the cinematography is outstanding

Editorial Review:

In a cruel twist of fate, an innocent woman is cut down in an ambush intended for the blind swordsman, turning her infant child into an orphan. Feeling responsible, Ichi vows to safely deliver the child to its father. The assassins relentlessly pursue
Ichi, who must fight with ever more efficient determination now that he is the infant's only protector. In a final bitter twist of fate and plot, Ichi must add to his list of enemies the father of the child he has sworn to protect.

Zatoichi - Collection 1

Amazon Price: $35.99 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Media Blasters - Model: TSDVD0807 Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $24.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Brilliant Product Descriptions 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Yes, that's sarcasm. The product description is less of a description and more like confusing haiku (at least that was my impression when looking at an actual DVD case in the store; haiku only really works in Japanese anyway).

What you're looking at here is a 6-disk set containing the first 13 episodes from the television series, which came after the films. These 6 disks are also available in pairs as "Zatoichi, TV Series" Volumes 1 - 3.

This collection is a great deal, especially considering that the 2-disk sets sell for $20-30 a pop--this is what they should have released in the first place!

Original Japanese audio, excellent English subtitles.

Editorial Review:

A threat is uttered a blade is drawn a flash of cold steeland then...a dozen attackers now lie silent dispatched bythe lightning sword of Zatoichi. A humble masseur andgambler Zatoichi wanders the countryside of Japangoing from town to town plying his trade and rolling thedice. With kind heart and lethal sword skills he isprotector of the innocent and the ruin of wicked men. Apop culture icon since his screen debut in 1962 Zatoichi(played by Shintaro Katsu) was a matinee favoritethroughout the 1960s. After a dozen years and 25 filmsthe blind swordsman transitioned to the small screen in1974 in the series "Zatoichi Monogatari". The first 13episodes have been compiled in this three-volume six-disc set. System Requirements:Run Time: 585 minutes Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE/MARTIAL ARTS Rating: NR UPC: 631595080780 Manufacturer No: TSDVD0807

Bushido Blade of Zatoichi Walrus, No. 1

John Holiwski

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Solson Publications Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $4.95

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Zatoichi Sword by Paul Chen / Hanwei - Sleek Black Sword with Sharp Tempered Steel Blade

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Paul Chen / Hanwei Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $89.99

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Features:

• Sharp fully tempered high carbon steel blade.
• Sleek black wooden handle and scabbard.
• Authentic Paul Chen / Hanwei sword.
• Includes cloth sword bag.

Editorial Review:

CAS/Hanwei has produced a wonderful reproduction of the walking stick/sword (SH1014) used by the deadly blind swordsman Zatoichi. The blade is carbon steel with a etched temper line for aesthetics. The handle and scabbard are done in sleek black.

Overall Length: 39.5"
Blade: 28.5"
Handle: 10.5"
Weight: 1.5 pounds.

The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi Shikomizue Sword Katana

Amazon Price: List Price: By: DK Online - Model: UBB-0 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $24.88

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Features:

• All Wooden Stick Scabbard
• Stainless Steel Blade with Hamon
• Available in Red or Black (While Supplies Last)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 1.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Comes in Red Or Black. If you do not choose a color, we will send you the red by default. This sword is called, "The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi". It is half tang and stainless steel with a hamon. This is used by Zatoichi as a Shikomizue, which means cane sword. The saya (scabbard) is constructed of wood, painted red with black around the meeting of the saya and tsuka, and then lacquered. Blade Length: 27.5 Inches Overall Length: 39.5 Inches Handle Length: 10.5 Inches Blade Material: Stainless Steel Blade Thickness: .29 Inches Zatoichi seems to be only a harmless blind anma (masseur) who wanders around the country making his living by gambling; however, he is also highly-skilled in swordsmanship, specifically iaijutsu. He does not carry a traditional katana, instead using a well-made shikomizue (cane sword). Shikomizue were generally straight lower-quality blades which could not compare with regular katanas, but as revealed in Zatoichi's Cane Sword, his weapon is nearly superior to one as it was forged by a master bladesmith just before his prime. A recurring theme of both the films and television series is Zatoichi protecting the innocent from oppressive warring yakuza gangs, and general injustice. His fighting skill is incredible, even more so considering he grips the sword in an inverse manner; this combined with his sometimes inexplicably keen ear, nose and proprioception renders him a capable surprise attacker. He is also most likely ambidextrous. Source Wikipedia

The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi Shikomizue Sword Katana

Amazon Price: List Price: By: DK Online - Model: UBB-0 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $24.88

Buy at Amazon.com

Features:

• All Wooden Stick Scabbard
• Stainless Steel Blade with Hamon
• Available in Red or Black (While Supplies Last)

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 1.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Comes in Red Or Black. If you do not choose a color, we will send you the red by default. This sword is called, "The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi". It is half tang and stainless steel with a hamon. This is used by Zatoichi as a Shikomizue, which means cane sword. The saya (scabbard) is constructed of wood, painted red with black around the meeting of the saya and tsuka, and then lacquered. Blade Length: 27.5 Inches Overall Length: 39.5 Inches Handle Length: 10.5 Inches Blade Material: Stainless Steel Blade Thickness: .29 Inches Zatoichi seems to be only a harmless blind anma (masseur) who wanders around the country making his living by gambling; however, he is also highly-skilled in swordsmanship, specifically iaijutsu. He does not carry a traditional katana, instead using a well-made shikomizue (cane sword). Shikomizue were generally straight lower-quality blades which could not compare with regular katanas, but as revealed in Zatoichi's Cane Sword, his weapon is nearly superior to one as it was forged by a master bladesmith just before his prime. A recurring theme of both the films and television series is Zatoichi protecting the innocent from oppressive warring yakuza gangs, and general injustice. His fighting skill is incredible, even more so considering he grips the sword in an inverse manner; this combined with his sometimes inexplicably keen ear, nose and proprioception renders him a capable surprise attacker. He is also most likely ambidextrous. Source Wikipedia