Currently sitting at a perfect 100 percent score on rotten tomatoes, this is a film noir martial arts film, about the Japanese blind swordsman known as Zatoichi. He cannot see, but has heightened senses of hearing and touch, which allows him to (reluctantly) kick massive amounts of ass. I say reluctantly because he would rather earn his way by fleecing criminals, and by working as a masseur, he resorts to violent swordplay only when necessary, as the last resort.
The film moves at a slower pace than one might expect in a martial arts film, but that only serves to add depth to the character, and build mood and atmosphere.
Beautiful looking black and white photography, some indoor and nighttime scenes shot in high contrast, and with some interesting composure and composition, as thin branches frame its climactic fight, filmed with completely stationary cameras, and without much editing.
The film moves at a slower pace than one might expect in a martial arts film, but that only serves to add depth to the character, and build mood and atmosphere.
Beautiful looking black and white photography, some indoor and nighttime scenes shot in high contrast, and with some interesting composure and composition, as thin branches frame its climactic fight, filmed with completely stationary cameras, and without much editing.