Zatoichi's Nastiest Opponent

[@RTOneZer0]

Zatoichi vs Musashi. That would be an interesting duel.

[@maxbrazil3712]

Ichi would charm Musashi into drinking too much sake, rolling some dice and wolfing for pillow girls. By morning they'd be best friends. That was Ichi's preferred style, victory by friendship.

[@69NOMAN69]

fuck ya!

[@yuvoria]

Zatoichi will lose, Mussashi will win

[@YamamotoKazuo]

@melagkomas20 if musashi uses only one sword zatoichi might have a chance of winning

[@yuvoria]

@@YamamotoKazuo but musashi killed his great opponents with one handed waepon...

[@snipper1ie]

I'll trade all your Hollywood Blockbusters for scenes like this. Pure class

[@markburch6253]

Beyond stupid

[@scooscotch1535]

I dig it.

[@DJ-Krimson-Steele]

@@markburch6253 Of course you are troll.

[@ineffekt]

Even Wonder Woman?

[@ineffekt]

@@DJ-Krimson-Steele Does he have a face like a troll?

[@J.C.Tavares]

1968?Incredible, the level of choreography of this fight is far ahead of what was done at the time in the West action movies!

[@b0emb0e]

Continuous long shots, where they attack and dodge, and pause to walk slowly, and attack again. I mean, the timing is just wow with this classic swordfight scene.

[@gabrielsierra865]

Incredible we seldom have it now.

[@jameretief8327]

Most western in the 60’s shamelessly ripped off Japanese cinematography. Look at the Eastwood’s films after watching a few Zatoicho flicks.

[@JMARTIN1947]

The pounding drums ramp up the drama,

[@raumshen9298]

1968???? Goodness me, respect multiplied

[@badrobotNG]

This movie was light years ahead of its time...A real classic.

[@andrewrobertson3894]

It's just so well acted and shot. Even his movement is totally believable in that, since he doesn't rely on visual guidance, he appears to move in an erratic, awkward manner that would have surely been a nightmare for traditionally trained samurai to deal with.

[@charleshines7196]

Zatoichi's sword fighting style seems to be a reverse-grip Iaido (EE eye DOE) technique. Add to that Ichi hunches down a lot, and while his opponents use traditional Samurai blade techniques, swinging those larger and heavier swords over their heads and down like they're chopping wood, (completely exposing their torsos) Ichi's shorter and lighter katana can be swung from below at waist height and cut across their midsections before they can bring their weapons down. He almost always uses that style in every movie and tv segment, so in effect, none of his opponents are expecting it and therein is an advantage. I believe crouching low would also present less of a target to your enemy. Ironic that the last fight in Kitano Takeshi's Zatoichi movie, Ichi flips his grip, and switches up on styles to defeat an enemy who has mistakenly assumed he won't fight traditional style, much to his chagrin. Very satisfying.

[@zhenjiu]

Takeshi is a poseur who knows nothing about sword technique. His 'skill' is comprised of crafty editing, camera angles, CGI, and multiple perspectives. He NEVER moves his feet. Zatoichi's style, as portrayed by Shintaro Katsu, is of the Muraku-ryu style of underhanded reverse grip swordplay. Not Iaido.

[@davelissauer1943]

The worst part in kateshi kitano's film is where Ichi draws first in the casino. Totally not Zatoichi.

[@maintaint3003]

I think reverse grip leaves the user with three basic strikes, with many variations, and sacrifices reach for strength and speed. It's legit, good for beginners but of course dangerous against skilled opponents. Similar to Karambit techniques, it plays well to human physique. Biomechanics or something like that. Kitano's Zatoichi was a fresh take, quite psychotic. It was cool that he heard most of the conversations in the city, and so was aware of everybody's secrets and schemes.

[@davindamico1759]

his style is full of deception, misdirection, and intimidation all the while being blind, EVERYONE that fell to his blade was baited by Ichi. His feint knows no bounds

[@Arigato-Mister-Roboto]

@@davindamico1759 and the whole times...hes not actually blind.

[@badjaeaux]

not only can they act so well their sword handling is just very high quality & pro level

[@marvinuniputty3848]

always loves his technique: Psy-war. He always let his opponents gain the upper hands and due to being blind, makes them extra complacent & well..you know the rest.

[@lkvideos7181]

it doesn't always work though. Sometimes he is just lucky, like in Challenged.

[@lycheesack]

no i dont know the rest, im already dead.

[@1958dbc]

i dont see it..

[@dalemcilwain]

His strength is his defensive pose with a counter strike.

[@lordgargamel4124]

Someones a Mayhem fan.

[@philipholman1713]

Seriously how could thumbs down this. It's epic. And 1968.

[@123TauruZ321]

@@adighraiz2008 Some headless fool ^^

[@KeithTKO]

It’s hard to tell what’s up or down when their head is up where sun never shine.

[@timpenfield5]

HIS OPPONENTS

[@crimsonghost8697]

It was Zatoichi he liked what he heard but couldn't find the right button

[@montycasper4300]

They watched Hanzo the Razor and were as freaked out by the rape interrogation scene as I was. Not to mention the who copulation with a bag of rice and wracking the member with a Billy club. Shintaru Katso was brilliant, but clearly deeply weird.

[@samuellane8691]

I LOVE the Zatoichi films! Great acting (especially by Mr. katsu), great sets, great cinematography, great storylines, great music!

[@emersonshiff8132]

People don't talk enough about how much skill it took for Shintaro Katsu to execute those moves with such speed and (relative) accuracy.

[@deaDParrot88]

man the director is on another level, must have been a dream team with zatoichi's actor and the film crew

[@davicanti]

I love the rhythm of this fight. Since they're both swordmasters, every move must be calculated. Any mistake can get them killed. Most of the films take on the oposite approach: the more skillful the fighters are, the most crazy fast and non-stop will be their fight.

[@suwandisuwandi64]

I have watch Zatoichi film several times and I never get bored.Very amazing film.thanks a lot for uploading it.

[@kjererrt7804]

i have 18 films with him on HDD

[@A_New_Yorker_Lost_In_Florida]

I haphazardly ran into these films while looking at Kurosawa films.... this is amazing work and Zatoichi is so lovable ..

[@misak1914]

I've been watching Zatoichi films since the 80's and for the life of me I can't figure out if his clumsy footwork is on purpose to throw his opponent off guard or if he just had lousy footwork. Either way, I've always appreciated how complex his character is.

[@TimBitten]

I think it’s to show that he’s still struggling against his disability even if he has gained certain types of other mastery. Makes him more believable

[@jungleninja-tropic5690]

yes i believe that. contributing factors could be a modified style due to not being able to see. also to be less predictable to the opponent. if im not mistaken one reason why they wear those kinds of pants, or bigger pants was to hide their leg movements.

[@BiswarupRay]

If you are utterly relaxed to the point of being wobbly, then it becomes easy to pick up pace suddenly. ps. He is another example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5vQc3qdetB5psk

[@shinseisan6639]

Yes. He always seems to be off balance.

[@johnraina4828]

Drunken master style

[@markezraburlat5785]

That last move.... daaammmnn

[@RTOneZer0]

He made at least 3 cuts before the other dude even made a move.

[@SgtSleepy]

Comboed his ass

[@philipjoseph5099]

Mark Ezra Burlat real nigga shit

[@subataii]

Triple tap.

[@-ShootTheGlass-]

sublime

[@tiffsaver]

THE FAMOUS TRIPLE CUT... love it.

[@cyronader]

i love how honorably they fight. no cheap shots

[@myronsmith2114]

he had his ear to the ground , dummy tried to walk up

[@JuanPena-ql1hi]

Myron Smith good one true .

[@omnilisk279]

@Jacky Phantom Fujitora is based off him.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Myron Smith Ironically Zatoichi was alerted by the sound of the other guys huge dragging balls for walking up to him like that ...

[@ebonyroundass]

@Jacky Phantom fujitora is based on zatoichi.

[@vatarants]

@Jacky Phantom Fujitora based on Zachioto.

[@invisiblekincajou]

STOP DRUMMING! HE CAN'T HEAR A THING!!!

[@MrMrx123456789]

Festival Drums!

[@UptownNYC]

It was implied during the episode that the festival for New Years was coming up... I'm guessing it already started during the fight, hence the drums.

[@ShadowYamoto]

I'll take the drums over those silly English rap music ruining a good scene.

[@truevynym1797]

I tried to tell em.....

[@Dustin_N]

He's blind not deaf folks

[@propainter8251]

999 out of a thousand of you cannot comprehend the genius of the choreography of this scene or its application

[@markmachao]

zatoichi did his ultimate at the end badass

[@CurriedBat]

yeah what a finisher

[@blazemordly2195]

Master Ichi totally baited him for the final move.

[@archerj.maggott1372]

Maybe he sensed that his opponent was a sadist and decided to exploit it.

[@kuritamobiletruth]

he tried to listen to the opponent's footsteps to sense where he is

[@teeroux]

Sound travels better through solid ground than air. He was listening for his feet.

[@The_OneManCrowd]

The drumming for this scene is so awesome 👌 👏

[@TheHaeldar]

I love how with the expressions on his face Zato show you how much he's careful about his environment. That makes him more realistic instead of having a super sens like Daredevil. Too bad the drums were too loud.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

Those weren’t drums… those were my irregular heart beats!… or maybe gas…

[@longbowshooter5291]

I know it's choreographed but daaaaaayyyyyuuummmm! It's amazing how they can move so fast with swords flashing inches from your face.

[@WolverinePete]

Arguably one his toughest opponents but I have to give nastiest to Shintaro Katsu's real life brother who played the bull whip wielding Ronin in "Zatoichi and The Chest of Gold".

[@thecosmicsnail]

yes, and the one armed swordsman! My cat's name is Ichi!

[@nasrulhakim7550]

Real live Katsu's also played as brother of Zathoichi in The Tale of Zatoichi 2, duel with him and killed.

[@maxbrazil3712]

thecosmicsnail: So is my Labrador.

[@mnd1955]

The fight in the snow in 'Zatiochi Challenged" is pretty intense, even though Ichi only wound his opponent. But mine is the battle with Toshiro Mifune in 'Zatoichi meets Yojimbo.' It's very funny in parts too with them trading insults.

[@InfernosReaper]

I'm going to second the battle with the One-armed Swordsman(the One-armed Swordsman is also a good couple of movies, btw), just because it's not only blind samurai vs wuxia, but also a battle that is a major tragedy for actually occurring in the first place.

[@daoyang6055]

I hate that Zatoichi saves many women throughout the series from rape and abuse and stuff but when he tried to save his ex lover she was killed in cold blood and the murderer lied to Ichi about his wife before Ichi finished him off. So sad man....

[@deanzaZZR]

Ichi gets flamboyant and tries some wild attacks which is uncharacteristic. I think that's because his character has been on an emotional roller coaster throughout the film.

[@AnEvolvingApe]

He does that to sucker his opponent into thinking he is not aware of exactly where he is. I think he enjoys using a ruse to defeat someone.

[@lkvideos7181]

or you know, the other guy is actualy good lol .... he's a Samurai after all and obviously a swords master

[@lkvideos7181]

@Jack Trippin777 Yep. You clearly see it.

[@KnjazNazrath]

Yeah, this is easily one of his most unorthodox fights. The first time I saw it I was full on astounded at how different the choreography was, especially for the time.

[@LandersWorkshop]

I think his fighting style partly compensates for blindness by lighting fast attacks then almost lunging retreats to escape any counter-attacks he can't 'see' after the initial attack? Maybe hoping to exhaust or bewilder his opponent.

[@jakedge3]

Something i should point out is when zatoichi is relying on his sense of hearing he's only responding the moment the opponent's sword moves, otherwise he's using the sound of their footsteps to get a bearing on their general location. the moment he draws blood however, zatoichi can now SMELL him on top of having his exact location pegged through the scream, in that moment the man was basically doomed because zatoichi had him down with two of his senses instead of just the one. it's like a game where if the samurai so much as squeaks too loudly his odds of surviving the fight grow far, far lower. or at least that appears to be the intent behind the choreagraphy.

[@kevindavis5966]

But wasn't Ichi also cut on his back earlier in the duel? As a surgeon I can confirm that blood does indeed have a distinct smell (in a large enough volume) but it all smells the same (to humans, anyway).

[@jakedge3]

@@kevindavis5966 it's not so much the smell of blood, as the general direction said smell is coming from combined with the sounds. zatoichi probably figured the smell coming from behind him was his own blood, and was just focused on the smell coming from in front, where the scream had come from.

[@maxbrazil3712]

@@kevindavis5966 I came across a multi car fatal accident back in 1981. Even today the memory of that metallic smell can make me nauseous.

[@taylorahern3755]

Hollywood take notice of that (the dazzling authenticity, fierce realness & superbly choreographed techniques!).

[@nmarbletoe8210]

For a month I watched Zato with the sound off because I was always online at night when others are sleeping. Now I prefer to watch it that way. Having one fewer sense, I feel closer to him.

[@bashsibda6289]

N Marbletoe Why didn’t you get ear phones?

[@ryanvacation7319]

The tension is palpable. Especially how Zato seems to stumble all around making the audience think he could get cut anytime.

[@samuelbenitez2137]

zatochi is the best swordsmen there is on film to me, never underestinate a blind man who can see.

[@robertmarquez2767]

Nah, Itto Ogami would eat him for breakfast.

[@lonestar6709]

Where have the quality of movies gone? Fake looking CGI? Ha. Give me flawless choreography any day.

[@Taifun77]

@J пиздец

[@abhishekkulkarni9120]

Too good considering it's a 1968 movie!

[@zzodysseuszz]

Ah yes the bullshit hypocrisy of saying cgi is bad by generalising it all as looking fake but then praising very unrealistic practical effects like from the thing

[@zzodysseuszz]

And FYI the choreography isn’t even really that good. They’re just flailing their hands around

[@zzodysseuszz]

Like just look at the very beginning of the fight. They’re swinging randomly with silly sound effects and they’re not even near each other

[@yeastori]

saw these movies on Hulu and there were a lot of them but I love them so much I watched them all

[@kamuelalee]

Strangest, oddest swordfight in cinema history -- love it!

[@trebleizerquartet1717]

I didn't even notice myself smashing that like button.

[@paulsherman7802]

I know that It is just Stage Fighting... But it is Damned Good Stage Fighting. I love it!

[@swthero]

The most beautiful scene ever.

[@youngdiversity9860]

Man even when dude died, he had a FIRM grip on his sword. Beast

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

3:51 Ichi's moves are so badass right there... just watch his movements. Awesome!

[@GotuUmraniya]

i have watched nearly all the movies which are now removed from youtube and i too believe that this is one of the toughest opponent in the entire series

[@solarflare1008]

Nasty opponent yeah right those 3 cuts at the end tell the story. Zatoichi the best.

[@orlandomathlearningacademy9154]

Ichi has no style. As Bruce said" the best style is no style" When you have style, your opponent will know your next move.

[@JPLMONEY23]

Be water my friend.

[@Mika30041975]

Unluckily, Bruce Lee died of unknown clue !

[@MidoseitoAkage]

@@JPLMONEY23 That's Miyamoto Musashi quote.

[@roroyo2708]

bro im high af right now just what i needed to watch a blind samarai kickin ass dope shit youtube finally you leave me something awesome on suggesested vid

[@Kilbo388]

Roro Yo well said brother

[@yhird]

The Blind Swordsman. Outstanding acting.

[@bayrongersonvillenaortiz5163]

La verdad que estos japoneses son únicos en este tipo de películas.. su arte.. llevado al drama en cada escena le da un valor agregado.. a pesar del año en que se filmo

[@nagwagi2000]

These fight scenes can almost stand alone as mini short films!😁

[@elementalworld]

Modern producers could learn so much from these masterpieces ...Pirates of the Carribean for one that bloody music over and over and over here great use of simple drums and SILENCE

[@maxbrazil3712]

I thought the first Pirates of the Caribbean was a great movie. As usual the sequels sucked.

[@elementalworld]

@@maxbrazil3712 yep

[@yiuchungcheung]

the final strike...i can watch that for an hour.

[@yyz6162]

The coolest Japanese icon ever.

[@42kellys]

And where do you leave Mifune then?

[@brianflynn5355]

Along with Hello Kitty, Pikachu & Mario 😄

[@ghostexorcist]

God, I love the sound of his sword.

[@carlosluismendez7392]

The drums ain't just a soundtrack. They are part of the scene because they are celebrating a new year or something and Zato can't hear the ronin because of them. This is top notch visual storytelling. Blocking is masterful.

[@TheGemini35]

The music here gives even more intensity to this scene

[@dannyfubar3099]

That will teach him to pick on the Handicapped!

[@InfernosReaper]

Zatoichi isn't handicapped. He's handicappable!

[@grendelum]

3:52 Aside from the triple-combo, the blocking for this shot is genius whacking off the left third like that...

[@bigpossum5482]

I fell into finding these great films one day. They used to be shown on IFC. Yes, on cable , before commercials and selling out ruined that once great channel. They showed the entire series. Those were the days. A woman I worked with who grew up in Japan loved these movies. She said she never missed a one when they premiered.

[@JoeBuck207]

I agree this actor was the best villian in the series.

[@guadaluperangellll9703]

I like how he said he can't let him have his way..

[@alfredmartinez6166]

Back in the 60s, One of the local channels had movies all day on the weekends. They had Westerns, Sci-fi, Mystery, Thrillers and of course Samurai movies. I would watch Zatoichi and Sherlock Holmes movies religiously.

[@Adrian-jh5cr]

I had to watch that last scene like 4 times just to see how many times he actually cut him that was crazy fast

[@warmist8197]

I love the attention to detail, that the enemy swordsman "slides" his feet maintaining contact with the ground, as in traditional teachings...which provides Ichi with additional awareness 👍 Just...so...good...

[@Ranger80pl1]

The finishing combo at 3:51, nice

[@matdrat]

Details in the choreography: As Yasuburo is poised to strike from above, Ichi kicks his front leg, throwing him just enough off balance to lead his blow astray. Ichi then strikes upward into his abdomen. Very nice.

[@CPMir]

I watched the movie once and that scene a hundred times, and I never noticed that until now. Thanks.

[@WalkingIntrovert]

Crazy drum sounds almost killed Zatoichi!

[@marcusakers7245]

The look on dude's face when he sees Ichi is priceless.

[@sp9138]

Brilliant series

[@battennagasaki]

I like Makoto Sato, Ichi’s opponent. He was a really good actor.

[@brianflynn5355]

Yes! A great actor. Japanese fans refer to him as "Richard Widmark of Japan", because of his skull like face. You can see the resemblance especially when he smiles. 💀

[@jhavajoe3792]

Wow! Fabulous scene. I like the close ups on the ear. That villain got sliced up like a slab of sashimi.

[@shirolee]

Gosh, those finishing sword moves..

[@piacat2105]

Wow what an incredible scene

[@Kharn526]

I dont know why reverse grip is so cool but yea, it is!

[@aputridpileofb-movies6542]

Now that's a hell of a swish and flick.

[@eyezonly864]

Lmfao those last 3 cuts was fast as lightning 🌩 💀 🤣 😂 😭 😅 official/ legend 🙌

[@stellarlight2322]

films like this is so cool!

[@rauendoza3599]

Beautiful absolutely beautiful.

[@ptong226]

awesome fight scene.

[@jaimerecinos6456]

The Great Zatoichi!!!! is the best of the best ever!!!

[@kineticstudent2977]

Because a samurai cannot scream in pain in battle.

[@BitVyper]

I like that this guy seems to have Ichi's style wired a bit. Ichi spends a lot of time looking in the wrong directions and appearing vulnerable, and this guy plays cautiously right up until that last exchange.

[@TomatoTomato911]

he did when he was facing against the trees but also because he met a strong opponent that such tricks are less effective but eventually worked when he played dead.

[@penontonsajah]

three beautiful deadly slashes...

[@lordbyron3603]

Another terrific fight scene !.....

[@SeanP7195]

Pretend inferiorly to give your enemies undeserved arrogance....Sun Tzu

[@themocaw]

I love that Ichi is realizing that his opponent has such a light step he can't hear him move. So he leans up against the tree to guard his back and forces his opponent to come after him. Even still he has to resort to laying on the ground to feel his opponent's footsteps. And then at the end when he gets in a cut his opponent stuffs a rag in his mouth to silence himself and not give away his position.

[@jozseftoth9368]

So that's why this fight happened like this! He could not find his opponent, because he could not hear him! Thx for explaining

[@liliencalvel6151]

That was cool. Love Zatoichi. Big fan.

[@michelvanderlinden8363]

3:54 I'd almost expect some kind of kanji to appear on screen after that. That was an amazing move.

[@時岡さなえ]

「死」

[@kwsign]

@3:51, that's like some awesome combo moves!

[@rosalioperez4108]

Excellent acting!

[@walrus6348]

I feels the original 1960's is far superior. The acting, for one, does not have to be overshadowed by special effects or be overdramatic. The choreography in the early movies was brilliant, took time, was perfect, timed, and correct. The character was spot on, and not some crazy sword slashing dude ripping statues in half. We all have our opinions.

[@General_Klytus]

Brendan Garman agreed

[@walrus6348]

I couldn't agree more. What I love is that the original, though 1962, had the brilliance of today's choreography. If you watch, for example, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon you see the same smoothness and control 30 years after!

[@InfernosReaper]

I've watched all the movies and episodes of the shows. There was a bit of a decline in choreography and story from time to time, but that is what happens with a series that literally lasts decades. Let's be real here, the only thing that really changed between 60s and 70s is color. It's the same character with the same martial arts prowess played by the same actor. Wait, no, it went color before the 70s. It's still hard to believe that Shintaro Katsu played this role for like 2 & a half decades.... Now, compared to the remake by Beat Takeshi... God, did that movie do anything right....

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Slowed down sounds so awesome!

[@victorrubahimbya1124]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥k .. that sleep on the floor move and play dead .....funny sounds at the end ...damn ....noodles finisher

[@Nocturnal808]

Damn that finishing move at 3:50

[@klaus3794]

Thank you very much for sharing a good sword!

[@walrus6348]

Klaus S absolutely amazing for it's time.

[@少點政治]

That ronin is a very good player-- he knows how to play dying....

[@LjBeats]

Feel like I'm watching a beautiful performance play like a dance its soo gooood

[@holydiver539]

this movie is amazing what's it called I have to buy it immediately it's better than anime like the best thing to come out of Japan ever

[@General_Klytus]

Holy Diver Samaritan Zatoichi

[@barryhuffer8542]

If u like zatoichi films and anime check out the ' lone wolf and cub ' films .they are amazing

[@Lion_Hamza]

Zatoichi is just awesome.

[@筒井健-e5r]

地面に耳をつけての足音を聞く。斬られても声をあげないよう手ぬぐいを咥える。凝縮された緊迫。