Watch Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: The Fugitive

This 1960s martial arts and action film (also considered part of the Chambara genre of film) was directed by Tokuzo Tanaka and stars Shintaro Katsu. The film is the fourth in the twenty six part film series centered on the character of Zatoichi, the blind swordsman and humble masseur. The plot begins with Zatoichi, referred in the film as simply, Ichi, being attacked by a man he has never met before. A duel ensues in which Ichi proves his superior sword skills by dealing the assassin a fatal wound. Before the assassin dies he tells Ichi that he is a member of the local Yakuza gang and that he did it to steal Ichi's money. This event triggers the ire of the local Yakuza who begin a dire mission of retribution against Ichi for killing one of their own.