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A decent entry in the "Zatoichi" series, but I can't help but feel a little let down. The screen pairing of Kastu and Mifune had amazing potential that is sadly not realized in this film. Mifune seems to be coasting through his role here, but it's still enjoyable. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | Agree with everything stated but I am still so disappointed with this flick that I can't help but regard this flick as half quality and half crap which forces my hand to a 2 and a half *'s. | Bastard Ronin |
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| Man, WTF?!? One of the biggest letdowns in cinema history. I mean, seriously, you have got to be fucking joking. This movie takes a slow and stank-ass dump on both fans of "Zatoichi" and the fans of "Yojimbo" by being the weakest entry of either series. As I am a big fan of both "Zatoichi" and "Yojimbo", this movie is that much more insulting and painful for me. If evaluated as a "Zatoichi" movie, it is basic run of the mill stuff. Everything and everyone projected a feeling of just going through the motions. It was somewhat lackluster, generic and overall cliched, but that could be excusable if the end showdown delivered...
Now let us evaluate the film as a "Yojimbo" movie. "Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo" is the final chapter in the path of Yojimbo. In his first appearance in the original "Yojimbo" he scams, outmaneuvers and out duels a whole damn town, so when you end a legendary tale like that with this garbage you are going to offend somebody. He is flat out played out in this flick. It is always offensive when they make an established knight a pawn.
If everything felt off, where could this lead? THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: $#!*motherf*&%$#@@#$@@$$!!!! So short, so weak, so not worth the damn wait. It is also necessary to mention that these two individuals that have previously been depicted as masters of their own destiny are transformed into mere victims of circumstance. This was also the case in "Zatoichi Meets The One-Armed Swordsman", but that was at least a better movie than this crap. This movie does have a few redeeming traits, such as decent performances, some alright fights and basic production values; but none of that fixes talent being completely wasted and stiffing the fans of what should have obvoiusly been an all time classic. If you are a "Zatoichi" or a "Yojimbo" completist then you might feel the need to own this movie just to complete the collection, but as I've stated I am a fan of both series and I sold my copy of this awhile ago because it just pissed me off too much. View at your own risk, but I would just move on to the other "Yojimbo" and many other "Zatoichi" films that are really worth your time.
Before I bail I'd like to remind you that if you shake it more than twice you're playing with it. Scream and yell obscenities when necessary. Later. |
| | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | While this was definitely a subpar Zatoichi film, it was a degrading Yojimbo film: Katsu was having an off day, but Mifune was dumping on his own past success. | Jeffrey Frawley | | N | the movie is still a classic & amazing, it has a great cast, good direction, and wit to lighten up any film fan. The movie is intended for smart people. This film is only for people w/ true class of art. The film is easy to understand. | Ashley |
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The last installment in the Yojimbo series is weird, quirky, and just plain flat. There are a few highlights but not enough to carry the film. I guess I remembered it a little too fondly as I hadn't seen it in over 20 years. Mifune walks through this like he's collecting a paycheck, but Katsu Shintaro chews up the screen. Unfortunately, he's the only thing worth watching in this movie. Funny how this and the Zatoichi Meets Youjimbo movie were collaborations between the two stars and this one was supposed to be Mifune's idea. Kind of a waste of Hiroshi Inagaki time and talent too. Collect this one as the last of a series and watch it once a year to remind you that good talent can be wasted. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | completely agree. This is the only Zatoichi movie that is actually a let-down. | Bastard Ronin |
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The third Yojimbo installment, without Kurosawa, finds Mifune with the perfect foil to play off of. By now Shintaro's Ichi comes across as a bumbling doof (even to the point of knocking himself out while attempting an escape from the law) to hide his keen ear and even keener wit and understanding of situations. Mifune's Yojimbo is too drunk and jealous to fall for Ichi's tricks. The play between these two legends is great, not one willing to give the last word to the other. The plot is a little convoluted and the intrigues and double crosses almost use up the third act, but who cares? This is not Shakespeare, it's just fun to watch. | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | N | Wait a sec... but you just,-whatever. | Bastard Ronin |
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