tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post8267743074359313685..comments2024-03-08T18:49:51.289-05:00Comments on Classic Film and TV Café: Zatoichi, the Blind SwordsmanRick29http://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-71932432053396238832010-11-09T16:47:13.294-05:002010-11-09T16:47:13.294-05:00Excellent tribute to both the Zatoicihi and Lone W...Excellent tribute to both the Zatoicihi and Lone Wolf and Cub series, Rick. Working as a samurai indeed sounds challenging, with or without one's eyesight. And being the child is no picnic, either, as evidenced by the "cub" selecting his own destiny, to live or die.toto2https://www.blogger.com/profile/09652682900471649463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-21687776234133370762010-11-08T22:25:54.785-05:002010-11-08T22:25:54.785-05:00Thanks for the wonderful additional background inf...Thanks for the wonderful additional background information, Sark. You know, until writing this review, I never realized that the stars of Zatoichi and Lone Wolf & Cub were brothers! For those who can handle the blood and violence, I recommend the excellent LONE WOLF & CUB series, too.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-55289923928556389792010-11-08T18:59:46.497-05:002010-11-08T18:59:46.497-05:00Rick, I don't recall having seen this film. H...Rick, I don't recall having seen this film. However, it sounds very intersting. I know I would like this series. I have seen the remake with Rutger Hauer called Blind Fury. It was fairly good. Kim won't be the only one searching Netflix for them.Akihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03037507780056714337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-22075124850361334922010-11-08T17:26:29.933-05:002010-11-08T17:26:29.933-05:00Rick, haven't seen this one. I'm a big Kur...Rick, haven't seen this one. I'm a big Kurosawa fan, so I bet I'd like this series. Will look for it on Netflix.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-8923283441712292152010-11-08T12:36:12.145-05:002010-11-08T12:36:12.145-05:00Well, as Sark said, I am one of those people inspi...Well, as Sark said, I am one of those people inspired to check it out. My oldest son LOVES these movies, and has been on me to give them a chance. It was never an interest for me. But the idea of a more character-driven story, with such an interesting character as Ichi, does interest me. Great post, Rick!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-67248778614848302712010-11-08T08:39:41.616-05:002010-11-08T08:39:41.616-05:00A most excellent review, Rick. The ZATOICHI films ...A most excellent review, Rick. The ZATOICHI films form a superb series. Ichi is such an astounding character. The fact that he is visually impaired not only more strongly expresses his skills as a swordsman, but it also shows that his blindness isn't a handicap as he is able to use it to his advantage (e.g. focus on hearing, lack of distractions within eyesight, opponents underestimating him, etc.).<br /><br />Takeshi Kitano (more popularly known as Beat Takeshi) directed, produced, co-wrote and starred in a 2003 remake, also with Tadanobu Asano. He reportedly toyed with the idea of having "white eyes" to represent his blindness, but realized that his eyes staying closed was more effective, and his performance is reminiscent of Shintaro Katsu's memorable interpretation. More recently, Takashi Miike directed a stage play with Sho Aikawa in 2007, and in 2008's ICHI, a young woman was the blind swordsman... or swordswoman.<br /><br />Again, great write-up, Rick. I hope people unfamiliar with the series will be inspired to check it out sometime.sarkoffagushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00922698736476674377noreply@blogger.com