Shintaro Katsu

By the film’s end, there is little wonder that Daei wanted to beat the iron while it was hot and make more Zatoichi films. The original movie is highly engaging for its worthwhile cast and just as entertaining for the vast array of personalities that populate this universe. To cap it off, when the action erupts, it pays off for the patience asked of the viewers, not to mention that Zatoichi himself successfully comes across as a absolute death machine when prompted to.

Samurai Vendetta (original title: Hakuôki) Written by Kôsuke Gomi and Daisuke Itô Directed by Kazuo Mori Japan, 1959 Taking inspiration from the fabled story of the forty-seven ronin in 18th century Japan, Samurai Vendetta in some ways explores the origins of the aforementioned master-less samurai. Beginning before the legendary battalion even exists, the film opens with …