The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi
The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

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  • Starring: Tadanobu Asano, Takeshi Kitano, Yui Natsukawa
  • Summary: Director Takeshi Kitano takes on Japanese cinematic legend Zatoichi. Kitano stars as the blind wanderer with a distinctive red cane and a shock of platinum blonde hair. Softly-spoken, he makes a living as a masseur and by gambling, but his humble, shuffling facade masks a lightning-fast, deadly swordsman. (Miramax)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    100
    A masterpiece of wry violence and stylized mayhem, The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi turns loose one of Japan's most brilliant film auteurs, Takeshi Kitano, on one of its most enduring pop legends.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Walter Chaw
    80
    Although Zatoichi may disappoint some Kitano purists, who might think it a vanity piece or submission to popular taste -- he's even begun moving his camera -- its pyrotechnics are still audacious and breathtaking.
  3. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Chris Barsanti
    80
    As entertaining and surprising as the film is, however, nothing can prepare one for its rousing final fight scenes.
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    60
    A bravura tap-dancing finale as exhilarating as it is bizarre.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. JamesM
    10
    Takeshi Kitano's masterpiece. You must see this film.
  2. Riren
    10
    An unflinching revival of the Zatoichi series, this movie requires no knowledge of prior films, or even Japanese film history - though every drop of knowledge helps. All you really need to know is that this is an expert's product in the new kind of film, that which will do whatever it wants whenever it wants. What Zatoichi does that others fail at is earn at or amuse with everything it decides to do, from dance scenes to fight scenes, from innuendo to philosophy. It's not as pretty as Hero or Curse of the Golden Flower, nor are its actors as internationally recognizable - but it is considerably better at doing almost everything that those two movies do, short the wire teams. Give it a try, and bring your friends.… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

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