15 Most Underrated Samurai Films Of All Time
3. Adventures Of Zatōichi (1964)
Before Takeshi Kitano brought back the legendary blind swordsman in 2003, he was portrayed for decades by Shintarô Katsu. Featuring in 26 films (the last he directed himself), there are so many examples to choose from that exemplify why Zatōichi has become so iconic in Japan.
One of the best, however, is 1964’s Adventures of Zatōichi, the ninth entry in the long-running series.
Unfolding like any classic western, we begin with the wandering masseur and warrior in disguise stumble upon a town during their New Year’s festivities. He befriends a young woman here who beseeches him to help her find her missing father. And from herein, Zatōichi begins to dispatch his own brand of bloody justice as he uncovers the web of corruption at the heart of the town.
If you’re a fan of any western from this period, then you’ll love this film 9and the rest of the series) just as much.