![Zatoichi:Masseur Ichi Enters Again]( "Zatoichi:Masseur Ichi Enters Again")
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9
Average rating: 4.5 of 5
#3: A CLASSIC ZATOICHI EPISODE 5 out of 5 stars.
113 of 113 people found this review helpful.
This 3rd entry of the Zatoichi series is also the first color episode. It is also a classic, in my opinion. This film opens up with a tie-in to the 2nd Zatoichi episode. Zatoichi has killed Kenbei [in episode #2], and Kenbei's loyalists are out to avenge the death of their boss by seeking to kill Ichi. Kenbei's brother is the leader of these avenging loyalist's, and in a twist, he is an ethical member of the yakuza. He believes in the Bushido code. Quite a departure from the usual "bad-guys" Ichi runs into.
Also in this episode is Ichi's sensei, Banno: The man who taught Zatoichi his skills. However, the sensei is a changed man. This is not the honorable sensei and mentor that Ichi recalls. Banno has lost whatever honor he once had; and his interaction with Ichi is sad to watch. Ironically, the yakuza after him have more honor than Ichi's former mentor. Quite a switch from the usual Zatoichi fare. Tokuzo Tanaka, who directed this film, did an outstanding job with the characters in this film. Moreover, Banno's sister, Yayoi, has fallen in love with Ichi. And Ichi loves her.
Therefore, Ichi ask's his former sensei for her hand in marriage. This causes resentment with Banno, who scoffs at Ichi. Truly a sad episode for Ichi. Banno, the antagonist in the film, and Ichi, the protagonist will clash. But will it lead to a sword duel? And what about the ethical and upstanding brother of Kenbei? Will he duel Ichi? Or will he forgive the blind swordsman? This film is an outstanding Zatoichi episode. Will Yayoi and Ichi stay together?
Banno betrays everyone around him, and as a master-swordsman who trains pupils in this episode: they too are used as objects to be discarded at the whim of this most dishonorable man. One of the pupils in particular is Kingo. The betrayal Banno mete's out to this pupil is the final straw for Ichi. The cane-sword weilding Ichi will tolerate no more. It is time for action. The entire film is great. Cinematography, music, colors, and the plot. A truly outstanding film. Highly recommended. [Stars: 5+]
Editorial Review:
Masseur Ichi, the blind master swordsman who became a cultural phenomenon under the gentle touch of Shintaro Katsu, finds you can't go home again in the first color film of the long-running adventure series. Redemption waits just out of reach when his old master's sister offers herself to the humble hero, but his corrupt master (who has thrown his lot in with a local gang of bandits) will have none of it. The hearty reunion turns sour and a showdown is inevitable. Quieter and calmer than the previous films, this entry emphasizes the metamorphosis of Ichi from jovial scoundrel to tragic hero while still delivering the short, swift swordfights that highlight the series. Ichi's reluctance to enter battle is matched only by his fierce, fatal attack: a fight with Ichi rarely lasts more than a single searing stroke. The fold-out insert features trivia and a recap of previous films. --Sean Axmaker
