The Tale of Zatoichi Continues

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Christopher B A denser and more action packed sequel to the previous and first Zatoichi film, The Tale of Zatoichi Continues is a solid and fast moving action film that picks up exactly one year after the events of the first film. While different than the slower and more character developing first Zatoichi film, this film was just as good as the first just in a different way. At a brisk running time of 72 minutes the film doesn't waste time and gets down to business as we already know some of Zatoichi's background and have the first film's narrative and storyline under our belts.The film accomplishes it's goals and quickly ends the second the film is concluded with the death of the main antagonist. Another great entry in the Zatoichi franchise. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/29/22 Full Review sean l Roughly a year after his first run-in with the shady Yakuza types of small-town Japan, a notorious blind swordsman blows back into town seeking an encore. Actually, the hopeful pacifist Zatoichi is merely interested in paying his respects at the grave of a fallen comrade, the honorable samurai he out-dueled last time, but the shadier denizens of this corrupt village have long memories and see his visit as an opportunity for revenge. While that drama plays out, Ichi makes enemies with a misbehaving prince, befriends a trio of prostitutes and crosses paths with another acquaintance: a one-armed former romantic rival who still carries a grudge. The latter is portrayed by Tomisaburō Wakayama, later known for his lead role in the Lone Wolf and Cub films (and star Shintaro Katsu's real-life brother), which makes his eventual duel with Ichi doubly interesting as a sort of unofficial pre-crossover. Not for the last time, either, as 1970 would produce a match between our blind protagonist and Toshirô Mifune's Yojimbo... but that's a topic for another time. As The Tale Continues is concerned, I found it a mild step down from the first film. There's more action this time, and a much faster pace, but the additional subplots make for a less focused narrative and drain power from the larger developments and reveals of the third act. Another outstanding performance from Katsu, though, and wow, what a final shot! Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The blind swordsman gets ambushed by dosens of enemies on his spiritual one year ceremony on his samurai killing. Alongside, his brother finds himself outcast as a villain and in total distress tries to indulge on the attempted killing on Ichi. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member It's refreshing to see a humble unsung hero like Zatoichi. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member The first Zatoichi tale as a bit on the fluffed up side, adding in subplots that sort of dragged down the main story. The Tale of Zatoichi Continues is the exact opposite, with more action, less constraints, and a very abrupt ending. Either way, its good to see the actor who played Lone Wolf in those movies here, and the action is more crisp and choreographed than in the first film. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member I was quite pleased with this samurai sequel, in which Zatoichi returns to his friend's grave a year later, as he had promised. We discover his former lover Ochijo, who left him when he was blinded three years before the first film, became his brother's mate, and that Zatoichi had chopped his arm off, Ochijo then left the crippled brother, who hates Zatoichi as a result and has vowed vengeance. A wonderful yet short film which is full both of action and tender moments, never stopping, just as Zatoichi himself would be Can't wait for Part 3 from 1963 this evening! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Tale of Zatoichi Continues

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