the tale of zatoichi criterion

If that is not already an indicator that the storytelling lacks enough forward momentum or substance, then Zatoichi’s seemingly aimless journey through another ‘tale’ would suggest that this 11 th instalment is at best dispensable, and at worst, inconsequential. Rating: ***** Origin: Japan, 1963 Director: Tokuzo Tanaka Source: Criterion DVD. After being recruited by the oyabun Sukegoro (Eijiro Yanagi), he befriends ronin Hirate Miki (Shigeru Amachi) who is suffering from tuberculosis.Unfortunately, they are fighting on opposing sides. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle—while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. Tags 1962 , Artwork , Criterion , film , Japanese , movie , The Blind Swordsman , The Tale of Zatoichi , Zatoichi I enjoyed it way more than the original simply due to the casting of one of the antagonists … The New Tale of Zatoichi (Japanese: 新・座頭市物語 Shin Zatoichi monogatari) is a 1963 Japanese film and the third entry from the popular Zatoichi series completing the trilogy. Note that, in a unique move, Criterion has given only the entire box a spine number, not the individual films. As Zatoichi seeks to liberate the town, he encounters a rōnin seeking employment to pay for his ailing wife's needs, and two geisha who are seeking to avenge the murder of their parents, but he soon discovers that they are not what they seem to be. Quoth Criterion: “Currently showing are The Tale of Zatoichi, The Tale of Zatoichi Continues, New Tale of Zatoichi, The Fugitive, On the Road,and Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold. Here, Zatoichi is hired to give a massage to a powerful political official who, he discovers, is mentally ill, a secret that the nobleman’s retinue is determined to keep at any cost. Rating: ***** Origin: Japan, 1963 Director: Tokuzo Tanaka Source: Criterion DVD. The Tale of Zatoichi (1962, Zatoichi monogatari) Story: In his first adventure, Zatoichi finds himself caught in the middle of a turf war between two yakuza clans. The Tale of Zatoichi is the introduction to Zatoichi, a blind yakuza swordsman with a code of honor. Released in 1962 by Daiei studios, a company best known for their historical epics, The Tale Of Zatoichi was never intended as the spawning ground for one of the longest running film series in cinema history. https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/1012-zatoichi-the-blind-swordsman It is also possible to buy "The Tale of Zatoichi" on Apple iTunes as download or rent it on Apple iTunes online. The Tale of Zatoichi proved so popular that a follow-up went into production the same year. Buy Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Boxset - The Criterion Collection from Zavvi, the home of pop culture. Zatoichi, whipsawed between love and fate! In the original Tale Of Zatoichi (1962), he’s hired by a yakuza boss who wants to use Zatoichi’s skills against a rival gang who’ve also recruited an expert samurai. The Tale of Zatoichi is the introduction to Zatoichi, a blind yakuza swordsman with a code of honor. Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns unpacks the significance of Zatoichi’s name and the strict social hierarchy that the character so gleefully upends. This Criterion Box set of all 25 of the early Zatoichi movies is a bargain. AKA: Zatôichi monogatari. Zatoichi (座頭市, Zatōichi) is a fictional character featured in one of Japan's longest-running series of films, as well as a television series.Both are set during the late Edo period (1830s and 1840s). Directed by Kenji Misumi • 1962 • Japan. I won’t describe the plot of every single ‘episode’ as this review would become unwieldy. Note that, in a unique move, Criterion has given only the entire box a spine number, not the individual films. Following The Tale of Zatoichi also released in 1962, the film is the second movie in the Zatoichi series. The Tale of Zatoichi (1962) June 13, 2015. from right to left, Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi and Shigeru Amachi as Miki Hirate. This originally minor character was developed for the screen by Daiei Film and actor Shintaro Katsu, who created the screen version. Afraid that word might leak out, a group of assassins is hired to kill Zatoichi. Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman - 9 Blu-ray Deluxe Set The colossally popular Zatoichi films make up the longest-running action series in Japanese history and created one of the screen’s great heroes: an itinerant blind masseur who also happens to be a lightning-fast swordsman. You are paying only about $5 per movie and the Criterion Collection is noted for their pristine transfers using whatever available film source they can find. The Tale of Zatoichi is the first in a long line of films, detailing the adventures of a blind swordsman. ZATOICHI: THE BLIND SWORDSMAN (DISCS 1-3) First off, the Zatoichi boxset from Criterion is a gem. Zatoichi is a fictional character featured in one of Japan's longest-running series of films, as well as a television series. Criterion’s handsome Blu-Ray set focuses on the first ‘wave’ of Zatoichi films, from 1962’s The Tale of Zatoichi, to 1973’s Zatoichi and the Fugitives. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle, while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. The Tale of Zatoichi puts in place many of the long-standing traits of both Zatoichi himself and the film series. A collection of 25 films and even a lengthy TV series, this series all began with the modest of intentions. The status of Zato Ichi – literally translated as ‘blind one’ – as a travelling blind masseur in medieval Japan is quickly established. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle, while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. Japanese Release Date: 12th April 1962. Get info about new releases, essays and interviews on the Current, Top 10 lists, and sales. The Tale of Zatoichi is the first in a long line of films, detailing the adventures of a blind swordsman. With its lightning-fast swordplay, sleight-of-hand dice games, and codes of honor upheld and betrayed, this first… Buy Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Boxset - The Criterion Collection from Zavvi, the home of pop culture. The Tale of Zatoichi - watch online: streaming, buy or rent . From the Criterion site The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. Kazuo Mori’s second Zatoichi movie after The Tale of Zatoichi Continues (1962) is just as short, running at less than 80 minutes. Hoping to leave violence behind, the blind masseur wanders to a village, where he meets an old friend fallen on hard times. A total of 26 films were made from 1962 to 1989. The first of novelist Kan Shimozawa's Zatoichi series: 26 films, a TV series and a play, all but two starring controversial singer/producer/director Shintaro Katsu. This is the beautiful image used for the Criterion Edition box art of The Tale of Zatoichi (1962). THE TALES OF ZATOICHI — With 25 adventures of Shintaro Katsu’s famed blind, wandering swordsman Zatoichi recently becoming available through both a remarkable Criterion Collection box set, and digitally via Hulu Plus, our team decided it was time to walk down the dusty roads of adventure and watch and discuss the entire legendary chanbara series. It's like being stuck in a bog; it's not easy to pull yourself out once you've fallen in." All six films star Shintaro Katsu in his most iconic role, as the legendary blind masseur who lives by the yakuza code and answers his foes with a deadly cane sword.” ZATOICHI #3 Directed by Tokuzo Tanaka • 1963 • Japan Zatoichi is back, and in color! The Tale of Zatoichi subtitles. And Shintaro Katsu brings author Kan Shimozawa’s blind swordsman to vivid life, making the character excitingly, indelibly his own. Zatôichi's Flashing Sword (Kazuo Ikehiro, 1964). With its lightning-fast swordplay, sleight-of-hand dice games, and codes of honor upheld and betrayed, this first chapter sets the stage for all the ZATOICHI adventures to come. The Criterion Collection's 'Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman' is an impressive set that presents the 25 films that debuted from 1962 to 1973 in the longest-running action series in Japanese cinema. Thoughtful and slow-burning, The Tale of Zatoichi far exceeded my expectations. THE TALE OF ZATOICHI proved so popular that a follow-up went into production the same year. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. THE TALES OF ZATOICHI — With 25 adventures of Shintaro Katsu’s famed blind, wandering swordsman Zatoichi recently becoming available through both a remarkable Criterion Collection box set, and digitally via Hulu Plus, our team decided it was time to walk down the dusty roads of adventure and watch and discuss the entire legendary chanbara series. This Criterion Box set of all 25 of the early Zatoichi movies is a bargain. The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. The movies are on nine discs in a sturdy slipcase along with a small book covering the Zatoichi movies. The Tale of Zatoichi. Zatôichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman (Kimiyoshi Yasuda … His most deeply pleasurable communion with the world is through the sense of smell: he savors the aroma of bamboo (New Tale of Zatoichi) and plum blossom (Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo). Version Watched: 95 min (Criterion Collection) AKA: Zatôichi monogatari. With its lightning-fast swordplay, sleight-of-hand dice games, and codes of honor upheld and betrayed, this first chapter sets the stage for all the Zatoichi adventures to come. The Tale of Zatoichi (1962, Zatoichi monogatari) Story: In his first adventure, Zatoichi finds himself caught in the middle of a turf war between two yakuza clans. Take advantage of great prices on Blu-ray, 4K, merchandise, games, clothing and more! The Tale of Zatoichi is the introduction to Zatoichi, a blind yakuza swordsman with a code of honor. New Tale of Zatoichi. From the Criterion site. Quoth Criterion: “Currently showing are The Tale of Zatoichi, The Tale of Zatoichi Continues, New Tale of Zatoichi, The Fugitive, On the Road,and Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold. The Zatoichi stories are set circa 1840, when over two centuries of stable rule by the Tokugawa Shogunate is finally unraveling. The Criterion Collection released a remastered version of the film as part of their Zatoichi: The Blind Samurai boxset (Criterion #679). Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Released in 1962 by Daiei studios, a company best known for their historical epics, The Tale Of Zatoichi was never intended as the spawning ground for one of the longest running film series in cinema history. Zatoichi 3: New Tale Of Zatoichi The first colour film in the hit series, and an "origin story" entry for the iconic character of Zatoichi. A direct follow-up to The Tale of Zatoichi (also in 1962, which shows how fast this second film was made, albeit with a different director in Kazuo Mori), The Tale of Zatoichi Continues follows the titular blind masseur-cum-swordsman as he learns a secret about a powerful lord.. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle—while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. Some of my favorites besides the first one: New Tale of Zatôichi (Tokuzô Tanaka, 1963). As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle—while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. All six films star Shintaro Katsu in his most iconic role, as the legendary blind masseur who lives by the yakuza code and answers his foes with a deadly cane sword.” New Tale of Zatoichi. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle—while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle, while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. ZATOICHI #1. The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. Both are set during the late Edo period. Zatoichi, whipsawed between love and fate! The Tale of Zatoichi Continues. And Shintaro Katsu brings author Kan Shimozawa’s blind swordsman to vivid life, making the character excitingly, indelibly his own. “Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman,” a box set from the Criterion Collection, assembles the 25 films starring Shintaro Katsu as a samurai. It is the largest, most ambitious release, with 25-films total. Criterion Collection Spine #679 (1) Through the Eye of Criterion "Why don't you live a decent life? Hoping to leave violence behind, the blind masseur wanders to a village, where he meets an old friend fallen on hard times. Directed by Kenji Misumi • 1962 • Japan. The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. As tensions mount between rival yakuza clans, one boss hires a formidable but ailing ronin as his clan’s muscle, while the other employs a humble, moral blind masseur named Ichi. The film is the first Zatoichi film to be in colour. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing. 'The Tale of Zatoichi' (1962) introduces our hero. The Tale of Zatoichi subtitles. Zatoichi is back—and in color! The movies are on nine discs in a sturdy slipcase along with a small book covering the Zatoichi movies. Quoth Criterion: “Currently showing are The Tale of Zatoichi, The Tale of Zatoichi Continues, New Tale of Zatoichi, The Fugitive, On the Road,and Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold. Director: Kenji Misumi. Adventures of Zatoichi ends with him paying homage to the first light of the New Year on Mount Myogi, the place where he was separated from his father at age five. Shigezo responds by hiring a ronin of similar repute, Miki Hirate (Shigeru Amachi). Zato is the lowest rank for a … You are paying only about $5 per movie and the Criterion Collection is noted for their pristine transfers using whatever available film source they can find. Each review is accompanied by original art Criterion commissioned for the film. Zatôichi and the Chest of Gold (Kazuo Ikehiro, 1964). ZATOICHI #1 Directed by Kenji Misumi • 1962 • Japan The epic saga of Zatoichi begins. Criterion then includes the original short (very short) story “The Tale of Zatoichi” which presents the blueprint for the character and a few other characters. That’s too much to tackle… The character, a blind masseur and blademaster, was created by novelist Kan Shimozawa.. Himself and the strict social hierarchy that the character excitingly, indelibly his own releases essays..., fight ( Kenji Misumi • 1962 • Japan Zatoichi is the first Zatoichi film to be colour! 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