Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Vol. 17 - Zatoichi Challenged (1970)

A dying woman begs Zatoichi to reunite her son with his father, who is working in a small town. But when the son and father meet, Zatoichi finds out that the father has been forced to work for gangsters. Using his lightning sword, Zatoichi takes on the crime boss in a relentless blend of action, violence, and comedy that makes Zatoichi Challenged one of the best in the long-running series.

Zatoichi Challenged

Another excellent entry in the series. The interplay between Zatoichi and the young boy he becomes protector slows down the film a bit. The story behind the boy's father is rather interesting as a glimpse into Japanese culture and what is considered "obscene" in pre-modern Japan. This one features some of the best cinematography, particularly shots of the Japanese wilderness and the scenes set in a quarry, where pottery clay is mined, are stunning. December 28, 2007

#17: THE FORBIDDEN ART

Entry #17 of the Zatoichi series is very unique. First of all, this is an extremely good Zatoichi episode, with a much different ending than many of the others. In the film, Zatoichi enters an inn to stay the night, but must share it with a sick woman and her young son. During the night the sick woman dies. However, before she dies she begs Zatoichi to take the boy to his father Shokichi [Takao Ito]. Along the way Zatoichi becomes very attached to the young boy: but as his way of life is not safe for this young boy he knows that he must part ways with him. Therefore, it is importatnt that he find the father. The young boys only link in the world now that the mother is dead.

Along the way, Zatoichi comes across a mysterious and unknown samurai [Jushiro Konoe]. This samurai shadows Zatoichi along the way. Who is he? What does he want? Well, apparently the boys father is in the pornography business. Tame by any means, but forbidden by law under penalty of death. However, Shokichi--a talented artist, is not doing this of his own bidding, he is being forced to do this artwork on pottery by an evil warlord. And as for the mystery samurai? Well, he is a government official. And more importantly he has the official sanction of the state to enforce the law, which means carrying out the death sentence.

Therefore Zatoichi must comply with the laws of the land. He must turn over Shokichi. Or will he? Moreover, this mystery samurai is no slouch with the sword. He is an expert swordsman as good--if not better than Zatoichi. Plus the samurai is honorable and carries himself with dignity. The mystery samurai has his orders and must carry them out--under no exception. But Zatoichi, being who he is by nature, defender of the weak and oppressed, will he allow the samurai to do this? Knowing that Shokichi is being forced against his will to make this art, will Ichi allow this execution to proceed? The conclusion of the episode is most unusual and I do not wish to spoil it by telling you, however, this episode is definetly different than his other "wipe up the town" endings. There is an unusual ending with this samurai. A VERY DIFFERENT kind of ending. Highly recommened. September 2, 2006

An orphan boy and forbidden pottery

Poor old Zatoichi picked the wrong room for the night. Staying at an inn, he is forced to share a room with a sick woman and her son. Within minutes, the woman dies in Zatoichi's arms, and begs him to take the boy to his father, and artist named Shokichi. And the journey begins.

"Zatoichi Challenged" ("Zatoichi chikemuri kaido" or "Zatoichi's Spurting Blood Road") is a complex story, with many mini-stories within the quest for Shokichi. Along the way, the two meet a Kabuki troupe who find themselves in the middle of a contest between two rival bosses. A strange and powerful Samurai seems to cross Ichi's path at many random points. Leaving the Kabuki troupe, Ichi and the boy find Shokichi, but then discover a spiderweb of corruption and intrigue, as Shokichi is forced to design illegal pornographic pottery that is sold at a high price to collection lords. The identity of the mystery Samurai is revealed. A showdown is inevitable.

The dual-natured story of "Zatoichi Challenged" is unusual, but interesting. The connecting thread is the growing affection between Zatoichi and the boy, an affection that must eventually be severed. As Zatoichi knows, he is no fit father figure, and the boy's real family must be found and protected.

There is a great final duel between Zatoichi and the mystery Samurai, even more impressive that the usual movie-ending slaughter as Ichi destroys 30-40 mooks at a go. The mystery Samurai is powerful, honorable, and perhaps more skilled than the blind masseur himself. It is really up in the air as to who will win, and the the consequences will be. August 27, 2005

Zatoichi Challenged

Let me start out by saying that If I knew about this, Shintaro Katsu would have gotten props from me a long time ago for his superb swordsmanship. Zatoichi Challenged was one of my absolute favorite episodes. Lush scenery, easy to follow plotline, and some of the most unparalleled REALTIME swordplay that this aspiring swordsman has EVER seen. To put it bluntly, this whole series is simply eye-popping. A fair warning to those who don't like to miss much with their movies: When watching ANYTHING from this series.........DON'T BLINK. June 7, 2002

This is a Great Movie

I have seen 4 of the Zatoichi movies and have never been dissapointed in any of them. This Movie is no exception. It has a great story and great acting and some of the best martial art weapons action you will ever see. The final fight in this film is beautifully filmed and is among one of the best I have ever seen. I'm glad I have this film in my collection and I hope to have all the Zatoichi films. Not only is the action great but the filmwork, writing and acting are all excellent in these films. October 26, 2001

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