Rather unfocused and indulgent in its depiction of vices, this 24th instalment (featuring Shintaro Katsu in a rare outing as director) is also one of the franchise’s grittiest entries.
Despite a sensational action finale that rivals some of the best in the series, this 23rd instalment seems to have been made from a script that is one or two revisions away from being ready.
An interesting, and at times, comical crossover between two cultural action icons, this is a generally satisfying if predictable entry.
A rare ‘Zatoichi’ entry with not one but two ruthless villains hogging the spotlight, which is a double-edged sword for character development, though it delivers in terms of action.
The longest entry in the franchise, this excellent 20th instalment pits two Japanese swordfighting icons together as friend and foe, directed with assurance by Kihachi Okamoto.
This 19th installment is a rather straightforward if still serviceable affair, as the guilt-ridden blind swordsman protects a woman from nefarious harm.
This mostly decent 18th installment balances drama with sharp swordfighting action in what is a decidedly darker film in tone.
A terrific Zatoichi flick and one of the series’ very best, Misumi’s focus on story and characterisation is the real sleight-of-hand here in this slower but well-paced movie.
This is one of the franchise’s most daring entries—bloodier, gorier and more morally ambiguous.
This 15th installment’s focus on drama and storytelling is noteworthy, building to one of the series’ finest action-packed climaxes.
Eternality Tan 