The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi
2003 · Movie · R · 116 min · ★ 7.2 · 81% critics
A blind wandering masseur with extraordinary sword skills drifts into a small village squeezed by rival gangs and constant “protection” demands. As tensions rise, he quietly helps struggling locals and crosses paths with other outsiders carrying their own grudges, setting the stage for swift clashes and unexpected bursts of humor and music.
Based on Zatoichi
Also known as The Blind Swordman: Zatoichi
Where to watch
Watch free on Pluto TV.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- 座頭市
- Years
- 2003
- Release date
- 2003-09-06
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Critic score
- 81/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (967 votes)
- Box office
- $34,196,922
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a samurai tale that mixes quick violence, dark comedy, and rhythmic musical moments; Not for you if you need a tight, plot-heavy story or realistic gore like 13 Assassins.
Pros: fast, stylish sword fights; offbeat humor; memorable musical interludes | Cons: thin or confusing story; uneven pacing; stylized CGI blood
Themes
- martial arts
- japan
- samurai
- sword
- geisha
- blackmail
- revenge
- blind
- jidaigeki
- aggressive
Awards & recognition
- Sitges Film Festival Best Feature-Length Film award · 2003
- European Film Award — Best Non-European Film · 2003 · nominated
Cast & crew
Takeshi Kitano
as Zatoichi / Ichi
Tadanobu Asano
as Hattori Genosuke
Michiyo Yasuda
as Tante Oume
Yui Natsukawa
as Oshino
Guadalcanal Taka
as Shinkichi
Daigorô Tachibana
as Geisha Seitaro O-Sei Naruto
Yuko Daike
as Geisha Okinu Naruto
Ittoku Kishibe
as Boss Inosuke Ginzo
Saburo Ishikura
as Ogi
Akira Emoto
as Pub Owner
Directed by Takeshi Kitano