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Zatoichi 11"x17" Framed Poster

Amazon Price: List Price: By: Pop Culture Graphics - Model: FMP223427 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: FMP198544 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

Buy at Amazon.com

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: FMP350053 Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

Buy at Amazon.com

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 - The Blind Swordsman and the Fugitives

Amazon Price: List Price: $19.98 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $4.58

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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 Meets Yojimbo

Amazon Price: List Price: $39.99 By: Chambara Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $5.44

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

#20: TWO GIANTS OF JAPANESE CINEMA 4 out of 5 stars.
84 of 84 people found this review helpful.

This 20th entry of the Zatoicihi series finds the legendary actor [Toshiro Mifune] in the role of Sasa. The character Ichi [Shintaro Katsu] is tired of killing and decides to go to the peaceful and tranquil village he rememebers in the mountains. However, this is not the same tranquil village that he last left. Sasa [Mifune] does not like Ichi at first, but eventually comes to respect Ichi in this very long [116 minutes] Zatoichi episode.

I like everything about the Zatoichi films. And what's not to like about Toshiro Mifune? One of the greatest actors ever. But this episode is more of an average to above average outing of the Zatoichi films. Maybe I came to expect too much from such outstanding persona's of the samurai cinema. The film does not disappoint as a Zatoichi film; however, with two excellent stars one would expect something greater.

This film is more part dark-comedy, and long-drama, than one is used to in most of the other Zatoichi films. And as fans of Ichi I would definetly recommend this movie. However, do not expect too much from the title--as this is more of an averge Zatocihi film. Above average considering the fact that there are some good qualities to the film, and does star the great Toshiro Mifune. However, I did expect more of Mifune's character than he gave to the film. Recommended.

Editorial Review:

The collision of Japan's two most famous cinematic swordsmen--Shintarô Katsu's blind masseur, gambler, and rascally hero Ichi and Toshiro Mifune's unnamed wandering mercenary and scruffy antihero who goes by the appellation Yojimbo (which means, simply, bodyguard)--makes this one of the most riveting chapters in Zatoichi's long-running saga. Not quite friends and not really enemies, the rival swordsmen meet in a once-peaceful village caught between rival gangs, a swarm of government spies, and a fortune in stolen gold. Director Kihachi Okamoto gives Yojimbo a marvelous ambiguity that Mifune invests with a grubby sense of honor, whether growling and drinking and stirring things up or fearlessly strolling through the climactic gang war, dispatching attackers with a swipe and a grimace. But if the story belongs to Yojimbo, the film is Zatoichi's: his minor scams and clowning demeanor hide a reluctant warrior and a tragic hero. --Sean Axmaker

Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 9 - Adventures of Zatoichi

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Home Vision Entertainment Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $11.27

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

#9 & #10: WHEN WILL THE VILLIANS EVER LEARN? 4 out of 5 stars.
67 of 67 people found this review helpful.

This review is for Zatoichi No.9 and No.10 below. The amazon system has errors and will not post the #10 review [sends it to Zatoichi #10 & #13].

This 9th entry of Zatoichi "ADVENTURES OF ZATOICHI" has some of the most splendid cinematography around. Amazing that these episodes are so beautiful to watch. This 9th entry of Ichi, finds the protagonist asked to deliver a letter to Sen [Eiko Taki] And once again Zatoichi finds himself battling the villians. Villagers, entertainers and merchants are told that the New Years business tax has been upped to 40%. More than twice the previous amount. It appears that the new intendant Gorota Kajima [Akitake Kono] is trying to profit at the townspeople's expense.

Meanwhile Boss Jinbei [Kichijiro Ueda] has been installed as the enforcer to the new intendant. Caught in the middle of all this is Zatoichi, being the good-guy that he is, he takes on the band of ruffians, and in this predictable Ichi episode, the blind masseur manages once again to get rid of the "bad-guys" Even if he doesn't get the girl. Recommend [Stars: 3]


ZATOICHI NO. 10 "ZATOICHI'S REVENGE"

"I don't know who sent you, but you only get one life," says Zatoichi looking down upon the bodies of 3 assassins he has just dispatched with his cane-sword. And so begins the 10th entry of the long running Zatoichi series. It has been 10 years since Ichi was last in the village of Azabu. Looking for a dear friend, he is saddened to hear that Hikonichi, his friend has been felled by a skilled swordsman.

Enter Tatsugoro, the new boss of the town. And not a very nice person to boot. He has a thriving brothel business, courtesy of young women forced into prostitution on false charges of debts owed to them by husbands and fathers. Miss Sayo is the daughter of Hikonichi--and Ichi is upset to learn that she now works at the brothel. Tatsugoro and his henchmen have devised a system they think is foolproof for income. Kill the men, and take their women. Open up shop and everything will be just fine. Right? Wrong! What they don't expect is a blind, cane-sword wielding masseur by the name of Zatoichi.

This is a very good episode. One "bad-guy" samurai in particular who just can't wait to challenge Zatoichi is Koheta Kadokura. He gets his chance by the way: And he won't be reprising his role in episode #11, or any other after Ichi get's through with him. Or the rest of the evil villians in this episode--which is quite a few "bad-guys." As Ichi commences to depopulate the male population while freeing the enslaved women, all returns to normal in the village of Azabu. Highly recommend. [stars: 4]

Editorial Review:

While corrupt bosses exploit hard-working merchants preparing for a New Year's celebration, Zatoichi dispenses justice with the edge of his cane sword.

Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 11 - Zatoichi and the Doomed Man

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Home Vision Entertainment Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $10.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

#11: ZATOICHI IMPERSONATED! 4 out of 5 stars.
95 of 95 people found this review helpful.

This 11th entry of the Zatoichi series is more of a blend of comical adventure mixed in with drama. The opening film finds Ichi imprisoned for illegal gambling. While incarcerated he meets a fellow prisoner who tells Zatoichi that he is innocent, and implores Ichi to help him. Another drama unfolds elsewhere for Zatoichi as well when he discovers that another person has been impersonatinig him. And all the while running up huge bills and leaving the citizens of the places he visits upset.

Therefore, Zatoichi must clear not only the man who claims he is innocent, but his name as well. The fake Zatoichi sells himself to local Yakuza bosses and then flees before his services are needed. Upset, Ichi attempts to get to the bottom of all of this while also trying to help the "Doomed Man," in prison. The film is more of a light-hearted fare of the Zatoichi series. The comedic scenes of the fake Zatoichi are humorous; and a break from the more serious-themed Zatoichi episodes is attempted. All in all a welcome break, and a very good film. This is a fun watch and recommended.

Editorial Review:

Paired with a witty, harmless con man, Shintaro Katsu mixes intoxicating swordplay and side-splitting slapstick in a tale where Zatoichi's fate collides with an innocent man facing execution.

Zatoichi - Darkness Is His Ally

Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tokyo Shock - Model: 404 Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $8.17

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

As the 26th installment in a popular film series that lasted 27 years, Zatoichi is essentially a "greatest hits" compendium of all the films that preceded it. That makes it essential viewing for Zatoichi fans and anyone interested in the voluminous "source code" for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. Known in Japan as Zatoichi 26 or Zatoichi '89, this lavish production was the last to star Shintaro Katsu, who originated the title role of "the Blind Swordsman" in 1962's The Tale of Zatoichi and served triple-duty as writer and director of this stylishly violent latter-day adventure. Now much older and still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi (or, in Japanese, Zato Ichi) seeks a quiet life among the gentle people of Edo Period villages, but when he's caught in a power struggle between rival Yakuza clans, his reputation as a deadly defender of the innocent precedes him, and he's forced to fend for himself in a series of sword-wielding showdowns. Between geysers of spurting crimson, this gorgeous Zatoichi film delivers good humor and mild sentiment, although series devotees were justifiably disappointed when the familiar plot failed to advance Zatoichi's legend in a middle-aged context. Still, the action sequences are frequent and fun, and despite controversy surrounding an accidental death during the climactic battle (for which Katsu's son, playing a villain, was ultimately found not guilty), this was a fitting farewell to Katsu's involvement in the franchise, which was revived once again with the successful release of Takeshi "Beat" Kitano's Zatoichi in 2003. --Jeff Shannon

Zatoichi Blind Swordsman Stick Sword Black

Amazon Price: List Price: By: General Edge Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $24.99

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Features:

• Inspired by Popular Japanese Series
• Blade features Zatoichi's Inscription
• Simple and Elegant Appearance
• Inconspicuous Design
• Great for Movie Sword Collections

Editorial Review:

Relive the popular Japanese series with this replica of Zatoichi's Sword. The blind swordsman's weapon comes to life in the affordable recreation featuring an overall length of 39 inches and a blade length of 29 1/2 inches. Please be aware that there a number of complications in the manufacture of a wood scabbard sword of this design. Typically a sword of this design is prone to having the blade stick inside the scabbard and may be difficult to open. To allow this sword to be opened easily the scabbard has been designed to allow for extra space and thus allow for easy opening but this allows the blade to move inside of the scabbard and cause an audible noise.

Red Zatoichi Style Sword

Amazon Price: List Price: $45.00 By: General Edge Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Better than what you would expect for the price 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

As a big fan of the Zatoichi movies, I was totally psyched to own a Zatoichi-style shikimizue (cane sword). When the sword arrived (via UPS), I was slightly underwhelmed by the quality of the piece. But for what I paid, I shouldn't have expected any better.

The blade is slightly sharpened with a nice finish. I wouldn't swing it around too much because I doubt it's a full tang blade. When sheathed, the sword looks more like a straight katana sans handguard than an actual cane. It will still make a nice ornamental piece that'll blend well with my collection of old canes and umbrellas.

My biggest problem with the quality of the item is a cheap, gold-painted piece of plastic at the very end of the blade (towards the handle) that says "CHINA" in big letters. This lame piece of plastic gives away the low-quality of the sword.

As a disclaimer to anyone who thinks this sword bares any resemblance to Zatoichi's sword, it does not. There are other, more accurate reproductions of Zatoichi's sword from both the old movies and the remake, but those will cost you at least 5 times the price of this one. Overall, a good decorative piece for the money.

Editorial Review:

Each piece is constructed with a 27 1/4" blade constructed from top quality carbon steel with engraved accents. The blade shafts fit securely into place creating an elegant sleek appearance. 38 1/8" overall. Also availble in Silver, Red, Black, Rattan and Natural.

Red Zatoichi Style Sword

Amazon Price: List Price: $45.00 By: General Edge Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $19.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Better than what you would expect for the price 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

As a big fan of the Zatoichi movies, I was totally psyched to own a Zatoichi-style shikimizue (cane sword). When the sword arrived (via UPS), I was slightly underwhelmed by the quality of the piece. But for what I paid, I shouldn't have expected any better.

The blade is slightly sharpened with a nice finish. I wouldn't swing it around too much because I doubt it's a full tang blade. When sheathed, the sword looks more like a straight katana sans handguard than an actual cane. It will still make a nice ornamental piece that'll blend well with my collection of old canes and umbrellas.

My biggest problem with the quality of the item is a cheap, gold-painted piece of plastic at the very end of the blade (towards the handle) that says "CHINA" in big letters. This lame piece of plastic gives away the low-quality of the sword.

As a disclaimer to anyone who thinks this sword bares any resemblance to Zatoichi's sword, it does not. There are other, more accurate reproductions of Zatoichi's sword from both the old movies and the remake, but those will cost you at least 5 times the price of this one. Overall, a good decorative piece for the money.

Editorial Review:

Each piece is constructed with a 27 1/4" blade constructed from top quality carbon steel with engraved accents. The blade shafts fit securely into place creating an elegant sleek appearance. 38 1/8" overall. Also availble in Silver, Red, Black, Rattan and Natural.