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Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 4 - The FugitiveRating:
Release Date: 22 October, 2002 Retail Price: $19.95 OUR Price: $17.99 You SAVE: $1.96! Cast: |
Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 4 - The Fugitive Reviews
#4: AN ENTERTAINING ZATOICHI EPISODE
This 4th episode of Zatoichi begins with a more comical sendup than in previous episodes. The charactor traits Shintaro Katsu would eventually define as Zatoichi have now become more ingrained in the personality of Ichi, and the following episodes will only reinforce the humorous, beloved, cane-sword weilding, blind masseur and ethical man to the audience. This episode is enjoyable, as ALL of the Ichi episodes are. The film begins with a price on Ichi's head; and an inexperienced swordsman by the name of Kisuke, tries to claim this reward. He fails of course, and as he lays dying he informs Ichi that his mother Maki, is with the yakuza.
Therefore, Ichi embarks on a trip to see the mother, and inform her what has happened. However, she does not resent Ichi, as she understands that it was in self-defense. Also, reprising her role in this episode is Tane, the woman who loved Ichi [episodes #1 and #2]. Tane is now with a samurai. [I will not tell you about her character, as it will spoil the film for those who have not viewed it] There are many characters in this particular epsiode, with many subplots going in different directions. The cinematography is excellent as usual, and Zatoichi does flash his sword in a wild ending. An enjoyable watch. [Stars: 3.5]
You are a good-looking man...what a waste.
Zatoichi is a Blind swordsman/masseur traveling the lands obtaining money by any means necessary. When Ichi defeats several members of yakuza gang in individual wrestling matches he is confronted by an upset participant. Kisuke, a defeated wrestler, discover there is a 10 ryo reward for Ichi and sees no trouble in killing a blind man for money. When Ichi discards Kisuke, the yakuza gang has enough reason to wish for his death. Ichi also discovers his long lost love Tane is involved romantically with a ronin samurai who is employed by the gang. Meanwhile, a young heir to the land of the city is forced to confront the gang, and command leadership of the city. Nevertheless, his own fear and weakness persist throughout the film, and Ichi is relied upon to confront the gang.
Most Zatoichi films blend a great deal of comedy with action. The first three Zatoichi volumes lack the smart remarks and funny situations that are usually placed in these films due to Ichi's handicap. Ichi the fugitive (volume 4) starts the transition to the character and less with his history, rather who he is. The transition I am talking about starts right at the beginning of the film during the wrestling match. First, it was a delight to see Ichi wrestle so well, and second the hand gesture he made before the match started was a riot.
In Ichi the Fugitive (Zatoichi: Volume 4) you learn of Zatoichi's love from when he was seventeen. There is display of Ichi's regret from his slaying. He pursues the mother of Kisuke, known as the "Spirited Grandma." I always enjoy the final sequences of these films when it appears Ichi is taking on a whole army/village. There are many positive aspects to this film.
In the seven Zatoichi films, I have seen action is scarce. When the action does come, the director brings it. Zatoichi always uses quick moves, sometimes looking clumsy, while not wasting any motions. Zatoichi is very resourceful, intelligent, and funny. Zatoichi films are not non-stop action but have great stories and characters. I will continue to watch his films, and one day hope to see them all.
Grade: A-
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