Zatoichi in an award-winner treat

Zatoichi

Director: Takeshi Kitano

Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Beat Takeshi, Yui Natsukawa

Cert: 18.

A clever film which celebrates the films and TV series featuring warrior Shintaro Katsu, and a film that is a delight of atmosphere, rich characters and fine playing. It is, like Open Range, a film which also celebrates the ethos of The Magnificent Seven for Zatoichi is the character who rides into a small town to assist the local farmers being threatened by a gang of very bad dudes.

Lots of swordplay and clever layering of the storyline and quite excellent playing of the title role by Takeshi make this award-winner a treat.

Star Rating: 4/5