Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (Zatoichi senryo-kubi)
Directed by Kazuo Ikehiro
Written by Shozaburo Asai and Akikazu Ota; story by Kan Shimozawa
1964/Japan
Daiei Motion Picture Company
First viewing/Film Struck
[box] Zatoichi: The fool! Sees the glint of money and throws all caution to the wind. That’s the problem with men who can see.[/box]
My husband’s eyes always light up when I saw I have a “blind swordsman” movie on tap!
Ichi visits the grave of a man who he didn’t mean to kill on the anniversary of his death. The local villagesr are celebrating because they have finally collected the 1,000 ryo they owe the tax man. But when the chest of golden coins is en route to the magistrate, it is stolen by armed men. Ichi is found sitting on the empty packing crate and is blamed for the theft along with a local gang boss to whom Ichi is loyal. The blind masseur must clear his name and that of his friend. Plenty of swordfights ensue.
This was pretty darned entertaining. I wouldn’t rate it has high as some of the others, though, because this particular director’s flashy, arty style kind of distracted from the humor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhsIgm38Zwo
Clip
