I finally got to see ‘Zatoichi’ with Beat/Kitano Takeshi a few days ago, thanks to an English subtitle version at Virgin Roppongi Hills. I have to say that although it’s a bit slow, it’s actually a good film with a fairly complex plot and some well acted character parts. The fighting is well done although some of the computer effects aren’t well done.
The most impressive part of the film has to be the soundtrack (including the tap dancing samurai at the end of the film) – the sounds of people chopping wood, walking, sowing rice and other facets of everyday life are woven into the soundtrack – it’s very atmospheric. I still have no idea why Takeshi dyed his hair blonde for this role…
A good film, check out the DVD, or, for the sake of the soundtrack, try to get to see it at the cinema.