Review of Zatoichi on the Road (1963) by Steve W — 04 Jan 2014

Here is a fresh Ichi tale, devoid of any previous attachments - except Zato's notoriety continues to spread. I would rate this higher, but why the masseur would go to such lengths to save a quintessentially helpless "damsel in distress" is not made clear.

Fujimura's Omitsu is not a child but is as incapable of taking care of herself as a 3 year old. He could at least have muttered something about the "useless wench" instead of saying "I hope she makes someone a good wife".

Otherwise plenty of slayings and morality lessons here. Fujiwara Reiko however gets a great role with Ohisa. A shame she didn't get a better exit.