Zatôichi monogatari

Outstanding introduction to another cultures story-telling acted out perfectly in these tales of a blind man, who is highly sword skilled, making the life rounds. Human nature is a great study here. People who need help, saving, another chance & just plain killing get floor time by Zatoichi. Commeppance is a common theme in these little episodes & the showings come in at near 90 minutes. This allows for intimacy, connection & for the plot to gel & it does nicely. Samurai are a class of people who take up a high standard of code living & can be virtious or rogue in their nature. Also, greed examples come across well for teaching lessons as well as tragedy, human slavery & loss. These are reoccuring themes that don't disappoint. When this full run of 25 episodes ends, & none of it soon, you will feel the loss that's how well done it is. I am on my second watching after waiting a year. On his sword skills, there are scenes where it moves so fast that you only see the results, not the swordplay. He can kill one on one or by tens of tens or more. Also amusing is his gambling skills & not to leave out, this guy loves to eat by stuffing his face, filling his mouth & near choking himself until a cough or sip of tea rescues. For those that like eating gusto, enjoy. If you watch, happy 4 U.

How can anyone not love this series? Zatoichi is a blind masseur and a wandering Yakuza member. Everywhere he goes he is pursued by lawmen and bounty hunters. He helps the underdogs at his own expense with his lightning fast swordsmanship and moral code. Some very touching tales with humour, sadness and plenty of heart. Shintaro Katsu is as popular as the character he portrays.

I enjoy watching these productions so much. So far I have only watched the first 2 series but I intend to watch them all. It's the best TV series ever! I have watched all of the movies of Zatoichi tales and it's good to see that Shintaro Katsu is also in the TV episodes as Zatoichi. Takeshi Kitano did an excellent job of portraying Zatoichi but Sintaru Katsu was the perfect actor for the role. He was a fine actor and I have seen him in many different roles.

I defy anyone to watch this and not enjoy watching the lovable character of Zatoichi!