not as good as all the hype

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

I have absolutely never seen anything like this movie before. You have to see this movie.

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

I had low expectations for this film but have to say it was a pleasant surprise. The story had humor, visually it was very interesting, and at times beautiful. The lead actor is very good and I'd like to see more of his work.

This film sure started off well. Instead of the usual credits, these were the coolest ones yet. Against a black background, Zatôichi smokes a cigarette as periodically evil men attack him and he dispatches them like flies--and continues smoking like he's the toughest guy in town!When the film itself begins, Zatôichi comes upon a humble village where they are having a celebration. It seems that after three years of drought, the villagers had a good harvest and can finally pay off the tax bill. However, when the money is stolen, the villagers stupidly believe the stranger in town (Zatôichi) did it. Considering that he's blind and doesn't leave after the theft, it sure seems ridiculous to blame him. Further, after the townsfolk beat him up, it's also very surprising that our hero would agree to help them find their stolen funds.Zatôichi assumes boss Chuji is behind the theft and makes his way towards his village. On the way, he meets a beautiful but mysterious lady. He doesn't seem to think much of this meeting, but oddly you later see this lady begging the local bosses to have Zatôichi killed. But why?! When Zatôichi finally meets up with Chuji, his assumption is proved wrong, though it IS true that some of his men were involved in the theft. Zatôichi swears to continue following the trail to the money AND also now agrees to transport a little boy for Chuji to another town. Oh, that Ichi--always helping others and not thinking one bit about himself! A bit later, most of Chuji's men are killed and he barely escapes. It seems that Monji (another boss) is NOT Chuji's friend after all and he's in league with Jushiro. At this point, if you are feeling a bit confused, don't worry. Though you may not be able to determine who exactly is who, just rest assured that Zatôichi will be administering a well-earned butt kicking!! Overall, this is a very good addition to the series. While it lacks some of the heart and back story of the best films in the series, the plot was engaging and different. Well worth seeing.

I think this stunning film ranks among the great action films of all time but could be hung as stills in any art museum. Hokusai & Hiroshige influences abound.Yet best of all is the unforgettable character Zatoichi himself. Shintaro Katsu created an everyman/superhero who had no equal, at least in western culture. A squat, homely, bandy-legged self-deprecating blind man full of humor & humility & an abundance of spirituality. And could he make that sword dance.These movies have no equal. Each one is as perfectly made as any movie can be. I used to go see them when they first appeared in the theaters of San Francisco & Los Angeles Japanese neighborhoods. I still love them every bit as much now.

This is one of my favorite films in the Zatoichi series. The opening film credit scene is amazing. This scene is a superbly choreographed, artistic display of swordsmanship that takes place on a darkened stage with three attacks on Zatoichi. Katsu Shintaro shows that the sword is an integral part of the Zatoichi story, and he is a master of the iai style of combat.In this film Zatoichi is shown no respect. He is mistrusted by farmers, shown disdain by government officials, and finally whipped by a samurai. The samurai villain is played by Katsu's real-life brother, Tomisaburo Wakayama. In one scene Wakayama shows an incredible sword drawing technique that is as equally impressive as Katsu's.In the end, Zatoichi saves the day as always.Yet, unlike in the fourth film The Fugitive where Zatoichi is able to shake of the trials and pain of his struggles and dances off to the horizon accompanied by some toe-tapping music, in the Chest of Gold Zatoichi has been abused and beaten so badly throughout the film that he can only manage to shuffle away towards the horizon as the farmers celebrate their good fortune in the distance. It's a poignant and sad scene.