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Movie Review: Shintaro Katsu's Zatoichi

The final Zatoichi movie starring Shintaro Katsu, which was also co-written and directed by Katsu, didn't provide any of the resolution or deeper meaning that I had hoped for. Katsu did his usual wonderful job portraying the blind swordsman, but the only real difference between this movie and the earlier ones is the increased amount of violence and a somewhat surprising sex scene in the middle. I had hoped that the movie would make some final statement, and I guess in some way it did, but there was no revelation, no final reckoning, no resolution of any kind - Zatoichi merely continued to do what he did, trying to use his skills to help the underprivileged, try not to draw innocent people into his inescapably violent life. And, in the end, he continues to be alone, moving along to the next inevitable adventure. Perhaps we are supposed to take away the idea that there is no escape from such a violent life, even as Zatoichi is becoming elderly? Perhaps we are supposed to understand that Zatoichi's life did not end in heroic sacrifice, with a story worthy of the others about him, but in simple obscurity, his wishes finally fulfilled? But the movie does not really suggest these things - it merely seems to collect some of the enjoyable moments of earlier movies, with no deeper understanding of them other than seeing a more aged face on Zatoichi. I had grown to enjoy the rhythm of the earlier Zatoichi movies, but I had hoped for something a little more unique with this one, but the only real difference was what I brought with me - knowing that this was the last performance of Katsu in this role he was perfect for. And that was bound to lead to some sense of disappointment.