That part where Zatoichi was in anguish after knowing he had just killed Sensei Hirate literally made me cry - it brought to light the reality of how sometimes fate can be so cruel … so very cruel. Sad. So very sad.
True. However Hirate was a dead man walking, Hirate knew this and wanted to die at the hands of someone with immense skill, this being the blind Swordsman Zatoichi, his friend, his only friend. Japan is a very unique place with a unique history. Warriors are an odd lot.
Visited many Japanese cities during the course of work. 1964-2006. Have strong affection for Japanese culture, food, sports and friendship. Bought this whole series and viewed episode many times. I liked the small cities best.
Anyway I could pay for a copy from ya? Whole series! Been trying to get my son to get into it, too slow, my son haha! Hidden gem these are. Accidently came across thes3 and fell in love. Hard!
Not so rare amongst warriors, but in this era of humanity, true warriors are quite rare. Crossing blades was not personal, 2 professionals doing their jobs. It's bizarre to people who are not warriors but warriors it's not strange at all. The US Marines learned the heart of Imperial Japanese warriors and when August 1945 came, US Marines largely had immense respect for Japanese soldiers, they did not give up easy, and threw their lives away in a heartbeat for combat for some, others just saw orders.
So sad, Sensei Hirate smiled when he found Ichi on the bridge. As if he is ready and eager to die to escape his ailing body. Even sadder, their conversation on the bridge actually in earnest between friends, not some made up words.
I remember seeing movies featuring the blind samurai when I was in college some 60 years ago. Wonderful cinematography. I’ll watch everything in this channel.
I just bought the Criterion Collection BD Boxset Of Zatoichi The Blind Swordsman. It's truly a wonderful series, especially this 1st film Tale Of Zatoichi
32:34 one of the few times when Katsu was filmed looking at the person he was speaking to. Later he did a good job of only showing the whites of his eyes.
I spent the night watching what I was able to watch while of these Fantastic Zatoichi Movies while in Tokyo way back in 1973. Since then I have cherished each moment of rewatching everyone that I can find. It is a legend now as more and more people try to copy what he has created. So thank you and yes I do remember this movie being quite a bit longer than this version. But why bicker over the little things as Zatoichi would say. ha ha ha. Tiny bird dance over clear blue water. ha ha ha. I sing for you Ichi.
There is film of Hattate Miki before this encounter with Zatoichi Detailing his life in Edo and his journey to Sagawasa. I don't see Tale of Zatoichi with english subtitles on you tube anymore
The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our beloved ones again! :-)
