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The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)
Zatôichi (original title)

18 116 min  -  Action | Comedy | Crime  -   6 September 2003 (Japan)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 27,718 users   Metascore: 75/100 
Reviews: 177 user | 177 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com

The blind masseur/swordsman comes to a town in control of warring gangs, and while bunking with a farming family, he meets two women with their own agenda.

Director:

Takeshi Kitano

Writers:

Takeshi Kitano (screenplay), Kan Shimosawa (novels)
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21 wins & 10 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Takeshi Kitano ...
Zatôichi / Ichi (as Beat Takeshi)
Tadanobu Asano ...
Michiyo Ohkusu Michiyo Ohkusu ...
Aunt Oume
Gadarukanaru Taka Gadarukanaru Taka ...
Daigorô Tachibana Daigorô Tachibana ...
Geisha Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto
Yûko Daike ...
Geisha Okinu Naruto
Yui Natsukawa Yui Natsukawa ...
O-Shino, Hattori's Wife
Ittoku Kishibe Ittoku Kishibe ...
Boss Inosuke Ginzo
Saburô Ishikura Saburô Ishikura ...
Boss Tashichi Ogi
Akira Emoto Akira Emoto ...
Tavern Owner Pops
Ben Hiura Ben Hiura ...
Tavern Gramps
Kohji Miura Kohji Miura ...
Lord Sakai
Hideboh Hideboh ...
Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)
Ron II Ron II ...
Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)
Suji Suji ...
Dancing Farmer (as The Stripes)
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Storyline

Blind Zatoichi makes his living by gambling and giving massages. But behind his humble facade, Zatoichi is a master swordsman, gifted with lightning-fast draw and strokes of breathtaking precision. Zatoichi wanders into a town run by sinister gangs and a powerful samurai. He's destined for violent showdowns when he stumbles on two beautiful geishas avenging their parents' murder... Duels, wit and a touch of zen! Cult anti-hero Zatoichi is back in a sword-fighting adventure written, directed and starring Takeshi Kitano. Written by intlpress@aol.com  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Zatoichi | Samurai | Bodyguard | Ronin | Swordsman  | See more »

Taglines:

His Sword Made Him a Hero... His Courage Made Him a Legend. This Summer, Justice is Blind.

Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Music

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong stylized bloody violence See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

(Japan) See more »

Also Known As:

Takeshi Kitano's Zatoichi See more »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,424,807 (Japan) (7 September 2003) (219 Screens)

Gross:

$853,718 (USA) (26 September 2004)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

"Zatô" was the lowest of the four official ranks (kan'i) within the Tôdô-za - the Kyôto-based guild for the blind established early in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), and abolished in 1871 (the fourth year of the Meiji Restoration). The three other ranks, in ascending order, were "kôtô", "bettô", and "kengyô" - as in Agent Shiranui. See more »

Quotes

Shinkichi: I'll have a bath.
Geisha Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto: Me, too.
Shinkichi: No! Men first!
Geisha Seitaro 'Osei' Naruto: I am a man!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in One More Beer (2005) See more »