Zatoichi: Blind Swordsman & Sonatine [DVD] [2004] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Kitano's remake of the popular 1960's "Zatoichi-the Blind Swordsman" series (there were probably over two dozen of the original series) takes big risks but largely succeeds. Kitano is a darker, more sinister Zatoichi, and the action is a lot more Tarantino-esque. The sword action is first class but extremely violent, unlike the original series which, like the vintage Westerns, were mostly bloodless affairs. Blood squirts everywhere on the scale of "Kill Bill."

This is not the 1960s Zatoichi, who was a more light-hearted character who often avoided conflict and was even prepared to play a buffoon to avoid violence. Not so here - Kitano stalks his prey relentlessly, like the former Yakusa he was. There is a very adult story spliced in here about the two gisha runaways (one is not who s(he) appears to be) so forget about pre-teens watching this one. Unlike many Samurai period pieces, there is a plot here which is serious and sad.

The unexpected bonus to this movie is the excellent musical soundtrack consisting of Taiko drumming and dancing, well worth cranking up on a home theater system. Peasants threshing rice beat out a syncopated background to a scene, and there is a big Taiko musical send up (not too different from some of the 1960s Zatochi musical numbers) at the end.

For Zatoichi:

I must admit that, although I live Takeshi Kitano and films, that I was a bit hesitant watching his version of the classic Shintaro Katsu series. I think the main thing that made me worry was Kitano's bleached blond hair, hehe. Well, I must say that Kitano definately does not disappoint with this film.

As with the 25+ Zatoichi movies, the plot is quite simple. A town is over run by criminals some individual seeks revenge and Zatoichi, the wandering blind masseur/gambler comes to town and kills every evil individual with ease, but with flair, until he comes to his final battle gets a bit injured. Those who like tradition of the Zatoici films will definately not be disappointed with this film.

The film begins simply enough with Zatoichi sitting on the side of the road enjoying the sunshine. A group of ronin disturb the peaceful massuer and wind up losing three or four of their comrades. Zatoichi eventually encounters Aunt Oume who informs him that the town in which she lives has gone to crap because the two head gangs, Ogi and Ginzo, have teamed up together, demanding protection money not only once a month, but everytime a gang member demands it. As usual, Zatoichi, does not come out and say that he will help, but of course he does.

Combined with a taciturn blond Zatoichi, the audience is also treated to Hattori Gennosuke a ronin who acts as the bodyguard for the Ginzo boss. This character has noble deeds for his job, however. He does it to support his sick wife. Might I add this character is played by Asano Tadanobu.

An interesting film with Kitano's trademark flair. The music is nice and fits the scenes well and the dance choreography by the dance group, The Stripes, is stunning. The set design is amazing, one almost feels as if one is in Tokugawa Japan.

For Sonatine:

I guess that I am like many other people interested in Japanese film,

because it was the work of Kitano Takeshi that first sparked my

interest in modern Japanese cinema. The first film I watched of

Kitano's was the bittersweet comedy _Kikujiro_ and while I thought that

it was a bit sappy, it opened the door for me to delve into Japanese

Film. The thing that amazed me the most about Kitano's films are how

un-formulaic they are and that they are also quite unique from each

other, but one can see common Kitano elements.

_Sonatine_ starts off simply enough. Murakawa is the head of a small

group of yakuza who rules his district with an iron fist. He does not

hesitate an iota before either having someone killed or beating someone

into a bloody pulp. However, it seems that his presence makes some oh

his higher ups a bit nervous because he is sent to Okinawa to aid the

Nakamatsu gang against the Anan gang. Taking a group of colorful

individuals with him, Murakawa joins up with a few local Yakuza.

However, the Nakamatsu boss is quick to state that there is no real

problem. However, trouble soon begins when members of Murakawa's gang

are killed in a bomb explosion and later in a shoot out. Murakawa and

the surviving members of the gang hide out in a beach side home.

Instead of being terrified of being hunted down by the Anan gang. The

yakuza group, including Murakawa, seem to really enjoy themselves at

the beach. If you thought it was funny to see a couple of bikers play

like children in _Kikujiro_, wait till you see yakuza shooting

fireworks at each other and digging pits to catch their friends.

However, the movie truly has a state of foreboding over it. One just

can't help but wait for this ideal time to end for Murakawa and his

fellow yakuza.

I was urged by my Japanese film professor to watch _Sonatine_. He told

me that he believed it was the perfect summation of Kitano's films.

While I definitely would not call _Sonatine_ my favorite film by

Kitano, it is quite good and it should be watched by Kitano fans

ok, to be honest, i have not yet watched Zatoichi. i'm not here to review that. judging by the reviews of the others on here, you can see that you either love it or hate it. i'm here to recommend SONATINE.

people seem to overlook Sonatine. to be honest, that was the reason i bought this DVD. Sonatine was previously not available on DVD, and you could only get it in a full screen VHS. now it's here in all it's glory. don't expect a crazy action movie like Zatoichi, Sonatine is more akin to Hana-Bi (aka Fireworks). very slow paced, but still very good. this double feature is worth it just for Sonatine.

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