Zatoichi and the Doomed Man

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Christopher B Another great Ichi film and one that saves up it's action and stunningly choreographed battles for the final half of the film. The story is built up and quickly turns to countless bodies falling and Zatoichi laying waste to anyone who opposes him. This is the second shortest Ichi film as it runs at a fast paced and frantic 77 minutes, but man does it pack in the kills in the last half. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/26/22 Full Review Audience Member Zatoichi and the Doomed Man shows that direcction can greatly improve a film. Beginning with Zatoichi being lashed for illegal gambling, it sets up the story of Ichi trying to clear the name of a fellow cell mate. He crosses paths with a wily Zatoichi impostor and a equally wily female, and ultimately must battle a crime boss in the atmospheric setting of a dockside pier. The baddies use nets, and even a musket in order to try to take down our main character, for a very suspenseful final battle that is a bit different from the usual film climaxes in this series. Even though the story is a little pedestrian, the action and direction is top notch. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Much more humourous and lighter in tone than the previous Zatoichi's Revenge, but still with barrels of action we've come to expect from the feisty masseur. This time he not only has to battle the usual tons of corruption from all around, but also a brat who's impersonating him. The cinematography was especially striking. Strongly recommended. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Oh right, that same old storyline, Zatoichi helps out a stranger. Geezzzz....The series of films has not gotten any better with this one. It's the same o same o. It's sickening enough to see. The only cool thing about it is, Zatoichi is up against a criminal who uses his name. That's quite amusing. Zatoichi also used two swords in the final battle, which is a first. Other than that, it's still sickening. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member A great Zatoichi film with a shot of humor--Lots of swordplay!! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Once again our favourite blind swordfighter is sucked into a dangerous plot. He is asked by a man sentenced to death, to go to the two men that can clear his name. After that it becomes the first Zatoichi "buddy" flick, as he teams up with a comic relief conman. That's right, such formulas were being used over 40 years ago. The comedy is more broad in this outing but never overshadows the production. A few slight changes occur, such as Zatoichi's gambling not being focused around a dice game. This time it's archery and makes him an even more impressive character. It also shows Zatoichi's more reluctant side, as he debates whether to help the man or not. After 10 films even he has started to realise that he always gets involved in deadly situations. The final fight is great, because the villains also realise just how skilled Zatoichi is. Now they are resorting to spears and nets and ropes in an attempt to bring the man down. It's almost a very subtle postmodern Zatoichi film. It's still very predictable, from the narrative and pacing to the events that occur. These slight changes are enough to keep me involved for now. But there's still another 15 films in this series. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Zatoichi and the Doomed Man

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