“Zatoichi The Blind Swordsman”, directed by Takeshi Kitano, is a visually stunning samurai action drama that brings a whimsical, contemporary sensibility to the iconic Japanese superhero. Blind masseur by day and master swordsman by night, Kitano’s hero sports a platinum-blonde shock of hair and a blood-red cane that conceals his weapon.
The story is in the vein of traditional samurai drama: Zatoichi, an outsider, comes to the defense of a town caught up in a Yakuza gang war. While battling the gang members who are forcing the farmers and shopkeepers to shell out protection money, Zatoichi befriends two geisha (a brother and sister) seeking revenge against the gang for the murder of their parents years ago.
What distinguishes this flick is the stylish, lightning-quick fight sequences, colorful production design and whimsical spirit. I can’t think of any other movie that manages to seamlessly combine violent action and a lively tap dance number reminiscent of a Broadway musical.
No comments:
Post a Comment