Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 11 - Zatoichi and the Doomed Man

Starring:ShintarÃ´ Katsu, Kanbi Fujiyama, Eiko Taki, Masako Myojo, Kenjiro Ishiyama, Ryuzo Shimada, Koichi Mizuhara
Director: Kazuo Mori
Studio: Home Vision Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Description

Paired with a witty, harmless con man, Shintaro Katsu mixes intoxicating swordplay and side-splitting slapstick in a tale where Zatoichi's fate collides with an innocent man facing execution.

Customer Reviews:

#11: ZATOICHI IMPERSONATED!.......2006-09-04

This 11th entry of the Zatoichi series is more of a blend of comical adventure mixed in with drama. The opening film finds Ichi imprisoned for illegal gambling. While incarcerated he meets a fellow prisoner who tells Zatoichi that he is innocent, and implores Ichi to help him. Another drama unfolds elsewhere for Zatoichi as well when he discovers that another person has been impersonatinig him. And all the while running up huge bills and leaving the citizens of the places he visits upset.

Therefore, Zatoichi must clear not only the man who claims he is innocent, but his name as well. The fake Zatoichi sells himself to local Yakuza bosses and then flees before his services are needed. Upset, Ichi attempts to get to the bottom of all of this while also trying to help the "Doomed Man," in prison. The film is more of a light-hearted fare of the Zatoichi series. The comedic scenes of the fake Zatoichi are humorous; and a break from the more serious-themed Zatoichi episodes is attempted. All in all a welcome break, and a very good film. This is a fun watch and recommended.

Blind Swordsman Undefeated.......2005-08-05

This was the very first Zatoichi movie I saw and I loved it. I was very impressed with the acting and the samurai action; especially Zatoichi. After I saw it I immediately began collecting the series. This is a must have for Zatoichi fans.

A fake Zatoichi and an underhanded obligation.......2005-05-26

Zatoichi, in jail due to illegal gambling, meets a co-prisoner who has been sentenced to die on false charges. "Help me!" the Doomed Man pleads to the Blind Swordsman. After prison, a man Zatoichi meets on the road begins to impersonate Zatoichi, ringing up huge bills at hotels and Geisha houses, before sneaking off into the night. And from there, the story begins.

"Zatoichi and the Doomed Man" ("Zatoichi sakate giri" or "Zatoichi's Underhanded Obligation") has Zatoichi attempting to clear two names, both the prisoners and his own. The false Zatoichi is leaving a disgruntled populace in his wake, as he sells Zatoichi's reputation to local Mob Bosses, then ditches before the fighting starts. The real Zatoichi, mostly ignorant of this double-play, follows in the impostor's wake, trying to locate the one man who can free his prison companion, doomed to die.

A good flick overall, with the impostor Zatoichi having some really funny comedy scenes, and Katsu Shintaro busting out all of his amazing sword techniques. The Doomed Man himself is a blatant plot-device to get Zatoichi into action, but serves his purpose. Not really epic in scope, or amazing in plot, all the actors do a good job creating a decent character-orientated swordfight flick. You will have fun with this one.

Zatoichi never dissapoints........2005-05-01

This movie may not be the most action packed in the Zatoichi series, but the overall character development was well worth it. If you love Zatoichi you cant go wrong.

I love zatoichi.......2004-06-11

This is not the typical Zatoichi movie. It has its good points, Zen moments, new situations for the blind hero, and the only two-sword performance in the series. The effort into this movie to stand out from the others feels a little unwelcome and a half-hearted effort in humor and plot, but a few scenes make it worth it. The idea in this one is that when Ichi tries to shrug off his typical sense of duty as a hero he is somehow led right back to it and we are offered this Zen detachment theme. As always there are a few memorable sword fights and demonstrations of skill. I would suggest its predecessors first.

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Gutta Butta 2 - Alabama State Line Vol. 1

London's Burning - Series 3 - Episodes 7 and 8

My Father and I [2002] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: The Enemy Below

Tecumseh