Zatoichi |
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| Probably the most successful period
movie series in Japanese cinema, Zatoichi featured the blind cane
swordsman and iaido expert played by Katsu Shintaro. A wandering
masseur, Zatoichi travels across Japan as an yakuza and expert gambler
during the later years of the Tokugawa Era (approximately 1603-1868, also called Edo Period).
Constantly hunted by gang members of groups he has defeated, Zatoichi
takes care of the poor and downtrodden while usually outnumbered by
tremendous odds.
The 26 movies in this series often combined serious, intelligent plots with action and comedy. Although he is not above the occasional gambling con game, Zatoichi often goes up against corrupt officials and dishonest gamblers who take advantage of the local townspeople. Katsu Shintaro died June 21, 1997, of cancer at the age of 65. Affectionately called "Katsu-shin" by most Japanese, the talented actor and producer began his career in the 1940s. He was best known for his portrayal of the blind swordman, Zatoichi, in this long-running film series. As a producer, he also created hit movies such as Lone Wolf and Cub, which starred his brother, Wakayama Tomisaburo, and Nemuri Kyoshiro starring the popular actor, Ishikawa Raizo.
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