CRITERION COLL: ZATOICHI

Zatoichi and violence are not strangers, and as the series progressed from the sixties and seventies to this final 1989 entry in the sequence, the films grew more explicit and bloody, but the carnage was never meant to take centre stage. The character of Ichi, played wonderfully by Shintaru Katsu throughout the run of 26 films, is literally a masterclass in method acting, encompassing the whole gamut of reaction, emotion and evocative gesture.It's pretty hard to believe that anybody would simply watch a Zatoichi movie simply for the swordplay, and although the fighting sequences are quite liberally scattered throughout the almost two hours running time, comparing the Japanese version i have with the UK version it is almost impossible to identify any jarring cuts or censorship, as the style of the films was always more about suggesting the horror of physical confrontation rather than glorying in scenes of hacked limbs and severed heads or fountains of blood, which can be found in the markedly different Lone Wolf and Cub series, popular around the same time as the majority of the Zatoichi series in the 70s.If you like films about character, and to be aware of their weaknesses and motivations, and scenes of pure cinematic beauty with evocative imagery, and the fragile nature of frienship, and the inherent flaws of the conscienceless, then embark on a journey with Zatoichi and you won't be disappointed. This series is literally a gold mine for lovers of cinema, and all the films are to be treasured and watched over and over again. If you are new to the series, then the best place to start are the early films which can be bought through Amazon.com, but this final entry is very watchable and is just as good as its predecessors. It's a shame more are not available in region 2.

At first glance the set might seem pricey, but with 25 great movie, beautifully presented, this is by far the best purchase I've made in some time, if not the greatest blu ray I ever bought. The movies, in essence are westerns in Japan, with Kitanas replacing guns (you can clearly see the shift of influence from American western to Italian over the course of the movies), but all are highly entertaining and surprisingly humourous, although certainly not to everyone's taste, maybe not as high brow as Kurosawa, for those who enjoy a western or samurai movie, this is essential and again, considering the amount of movies, very reasonable compared to buying each individually. On a side note, issues with the coding on disc 6, have been dealt with effectively for anyone affected with, in my case, a replacement disc dispatched very quickly. High recommended..

I have been after this box set for many years looking on amazon and finally l have it, the box is very colourful and there is a nice book inside l will enjoy reading, Zato is a very lovable man and only the wicked need fear him, the storys all have people in need and are a joy to watch, not too much blood so if thats your thing try the Lone Wolf movies, but if you want touching storys buy this box set, l love it!

A fitting last chapter of the Zatoichi saga. While it might not be the absolute best of the series it is definitely somewhere in the top 10. At 16 years after the last film, Zatoichi returns with the same freshness, the same ambiguous internalized morality and the same highly enjoyable swordsmanship fighting some of the best villains of the series - including Shintaro Katsu's own son. A pure fan pleasure.

Very exciting DVD wonderful gift fora club members

Looks amazing, can't wait to start watching the series of movies. From the case, to the booklet to the discs... Every single area has detail.

I knew the Zatoichi character was a blind,but highly skilled swordsman in fuedal Japan.This is the first offering I watched of the hero's role.Basically,he wanders over Japan,perhaps visiting old friends,but always helping people.In this dvd,he tangles with the deadly yakuza.One of their leaders is planning big,whilst his second in command plots his own agenda.Needless to say,they are not honourable plans.The main yakuza character has his eye,on a pretty,innocent girl.The second in command has plans to take over his leader's clan.This all takes place in a village,where the yakuza make the villagers suffer.Fortunately,Zatoichi is on hand to save the day.His skill with the sword,is unbeatable,especially when he's blind!I've watched other 'Zatoichi' dvds,including the recent release.They have all been very good,including this one.

A fitting finale to the earlier series. Katsu remarkable as ususl

A great series

You cant go wrong with the Criterion Collection sets. The quality they put into these discs is absolutely amazing and the packaging is always fun. This one comes with a nice book as well which is a fun bonus. These movies are also amazing if you are into older Asian cinema but you probably wouldnt be reading reviews of it if you werent. Worth the price 100%

Do not buy if you're in europe, it wont work unless you have some kind of region free bluray player

Una verdadera maravilla. Todo es perfecto. Esperé años para poder comprarlo no me decepcionó. Cualquier amante del cine que se precie debe tener esto en su colección.

Zuverlässiger Verkäufer, rasche Lieferung in Top Zustand zu bestem Preis, besser gehts nicht!