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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
June 2004
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Shiri's Asian Movie Review: Zatoichi
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Mon, 29 November 2004 16:10
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Welcome to issue 2 of ShiRi's AMR... this month i will be reviewing Kitano Takeshi's first attempt at behind the screen involvment in the cult classic Zatoichi.
The tale of Zatoichi, a blind gambling masseuer who wanders the ancient lands with nothing more than his cane is not a new one. In fact it spawns over decades and has spawned more remakes than all the bond films. From Marvel Comics Daredevil or Phillip Noyce's butchered Blind Fury. While reletvily unheard of since recently in western circles, Zatoichi is one of cinema's most iconic anti-hero's.
Before Kitano took on this massive task of continueing the legend of Zatoichi, there was a previous 26 movies based on the humble derelict. In 1997 Katsu Shintaro died and most observers believed that with him, died the legend of Zatoichi. This was until, japanese screen legend, Kitano Takashi became star of the 27th installment. The actor, writer and now director has hurled Zatoichi onto a whole new youthfull generation of fans that will continue to love Zatoichi for years to come as many in the past did.
The plot itself is quite simple using all the classic stylings of classic asian samurai films accounted for. Zatoichi finds himself in a town that has become overrun by a overrulling gang of crooks and theives that continuely watch over the towns citizens with an iron fist, taking gold when ever they want or beating people if they talk back. Zatoichi settles with trading his massages for shelter with a local woman and begins going about enjoying the gambling and drinking hotspots around the town. We are also introduced to Hittori, a legendery ronin who has come to the town with his ailing wife and finds employment with the local 'mafia' as a body guard so that he can settle down with his wife and keep them with money, food and shelter. From the get-go we are aware that Zatoichi and Hittori will be the main characters of the film when the two encounter each other one of the local bars and we begin to see that the plot is going to take the two down a path where conflict is sure to arrise.
The story brews to one huge act of Heroism on the part of Zatoichi, all characters, including Zatoichi become intertwined right up to the final breath of the ruthless gang. Some how you are kept in suspense as Zatoichi effortlessly cuts through hoards of sword welding gang members. You are kept guessing right up to the end, and when you think its all over, more suprises come into play. How many times can you be surprised? Watch and Learn, Kitano has done it perfectly.
The film is beautifully crafted, one particular scene where one of the Geisha Sisters, Osei performs a traditional dance draws you in so much so that you forget the fact you are watching a Samurai Film. In fact, the film is riddeled with classic Japanese dance sequences and culture. Throughout the film we encounter a group of farmers who tap dance to the creative soundtrack's beat and rhytem as they work and toil. It's beautifull. Even the actions sequences take on a beauty of somesort, mimiking that of a ballet rather than a bloodbath. It's strange, but its beautifull, you can't help watch as the CGI graphics create a ribbon of blood streams. Shouldn't be to hard to recognize this work... the graphics artist worked alongside Kitano in Battle Royale. The blood isn't overused and all it does to the pure beauty of Zatoichi's 'Work'.
The film screams classic Chinese legendary tales, It echo's Zhang Yimou's Hero but is in its own right a period film for Japan and its people. It has breathed new life into classical Japanese Samurai Films, and as it is obvious to see that Kitano and his entire cast had a great time doing the film. Have we seen Kitano's only attempt at Zatoichi? I think not
Shiri gives it 4 out of 5
- This DVD is avaliable for purchese through www.yesasia.com and www.ezydvd.com.au
[Updated on: Mon, 29 November 2004 16:20]
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