Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 18 - Zatoichi and the Fugitives [DVD]

Brought back childhood memories… movie night with the family. I M Japanese American. I’m not fluent in Japanese language but going to see Zatoichi movies was common ground for me and my parents. I still don’t know which I like better… the lightning swordplay or rustic humor all zatoichi movies have!

As a lifelong Ichi-San fan (I saw the original TV series in Japan!) I am a little more objective than most about this episode. Chambara and Jidei Geki fans have been spoon fed the colorful myths and fairy tales about Tokugawa era Japan and Japanese life under Bushido. Life was terribly harsh on the rural, working Japanese. The Zatoichi films and maybe "Ugetsu" are the only films to show how life really was for the "little people". There was no glory, just harsh and deadly reality. If this film is dark and upsetting, it is because it is true to the way life was at that time. I highly recommend it to those who want to see how the Japanese villager had to live. If you want pretty costumes, Court Life and the mythical spiritualism of Bushido, skip this one. It will upset you.

I love all of Zatoichi's films, and I have each and every one of his dvds. I loved his films so much that I also purchased the Blu-ray box set. Stunning photography work, filmed in Japan.

so glad to have found it

Saw some of these movies when I lived in Japan and this one was as good as I remember they were.

another excellent Zatoichi movie great Christmas gift

Great Samurai skilled masseur.The little guy who never causes trouble, always takes care of the bullys.gotta love it.

Following Zatoichi Challenged this film, Zatoichi and The Fugitives, is kind of a let down. There is lots of drama, as we find out that one of the bandits hiding in the town is, in fact, related to somebody in the town. And the town's official is helping the bandits hide out. There are surprises and the feel to the movie is that they wanted to make it dark and gritty and realistic - one woman ALMOST has her kimono peeled off but Zantoichi saves her just in time. Not as much action as many of the other films and the character of Zatoichi at one point looks more dead than alive. The music IS becoming original as it seems to be breaking away from the norms and allowing some European influence. In fact the CD I have  Zatoichi - The Best Cuts (1967-1973) [Soundtrack ] comes from this time period - many of the films I will be watching have their sound track on these CD.