Watch Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi's Vengeance

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi's Vengeance is a Japanese action film directed by Tokuzo Tanaka and released in 1966. The movie is the eleventh installment of the Zatoichi series and the fourth and final film featuring Shintaro Katsu as the titular character. The storyline follows Zatoichi, a blind, wandering swordsman, who finds work as a masseur in a small town. The town's boss Jubei hires Zatoichi to work at his gambling house, where he encounters Jubei's young son, Shinkichi, and his mistress Oyuki. As the story unfolds, Zatoichi discovers that Jubei has been cheating his customers out of their money in the gambling house, which leads to a confrontation between Jubei and Zatoichi.

In the meantime, a group of Yakuza gangsters led by Boss Kimura is terrorizing the town. The gangsters extort money and protection from the villagers, and anyone who resists them is met with violence. When Shinkichi refuses to give the gangsters money, they beat him up and leave him for dead. Zatoichi takes care of Shinkichi and sets out to seek vengeance against Boss Kimura and his gangsters.

The movie features the typical elements of a Zatoichi film, such as the use of the sword, the fight scenes, and the portrayal of social injustices. Zatoichi's blindness is also an important aspect of the film, as it highlights his otherworldly abilities, such as his heightened sense of hearing and intuition.

One of the notable aspects of Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi's Vengeance is the character development of Zatoichi. In this film, Zatoichi is not just a skilled swordsman, but also a complex and sympathetic character. He is portrayed as a man with a sense of justice and a strong moral compass, who is willing to risk his life to protect those who are oppressed.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Takuya Fujioka as Boss Kimura, Yaeko Mizutani as Oyuki, and Yukiji Asaoka as Otane, a young woman who becomes romantically involved with Zatoichi. The performances of the cast add depth and emotional resonance to the film.

The cinematography and production design of the movie are also highlights. The film captures the beauty and serenity of rural Japan, as well as the brutality and violence of the Yakuza underworld. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed and filmed, showcasing the prowess of Zatoichi and his opponents.

Overall, Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi's Vengeance is a compelling and entertaining film that delivers the action, drama, and emotional resonance that fans of the series have come to expect. It is a fitting conclusion to Shintaro Katsu's portrayal of Zatoichi, and a testament to his talents as an actor and a martial artist.