#5510 [2004-09-12 03:00:44]
Article: Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
by
kitsuno
Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
By Jason Wallis
Recently, I expressed my distaste for director Zhang Yimou's
critically lauded swordplay film "Hero," which for all its pretty
colors and elaborate fight scenes failed to represent anything
meaningful, or even entertaining. Hollow and lifeless, it was an
insult to a genre that I hold in high regard. For those, like me,
who were disheartened by that film, "The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi"
serves as a fine antidote. As written and directed by Japanese pop
culture icon "Beat" Takeshi Kitano, it boasts everything that "Hero"
lacked. It is a shame that Kitano's film is only playing in select
cities while Yimou's received a nationwide theatrical release,
but "Zatoichi" is a strong enough movie to overcome such a handicap,
provided moviegoers learn of its existence.
In addition to serving as writer and director, Kitano is also the
movie's star. He plays the title character, a blind swordsman who
wanders the countryside righting wrongs and defending the honor of
those who show him kindness. He's a mild-mannered old man, content
to leave in peace, yet not hesitant to draw his sword if necessary.
He dispatches his victims with lightning-quick ferocity, using
his "Zen" awareness and heightened sense of hearing to anticipate
his foes' attacks. His skill with a blade makes The Bride look like
a child playing with sticks.
The original "Zatoichi" series was comprised of 26 separate films,
but Kitano does not riff from any one film in his tribute to the
samurai classics. His "Zatoichi" presents more of an amalgamation of
different genre staples: warring gangs fighting for territorial
control; villagers terrorized by the gangs' heartless thugs;
siblings seeking revenge against the bosses who murdered their
family. Kitano does a good job of intertwining the different plot
threads, though the story is at times needlessly confusing.
The fight scenes fare better thanks to the filmmaker's understanding
of what makes for good action: speed, excitement, coherence, and
lots and lots of blood. The fights are few and perhaps more far
between than some would like, but when they come, they're fast and
furious. Although it is often obvious that computer effects played
too big a role in the visuals schemes of some scenes, you'll be too
busy admiring the precise choreography to care about such details.
Regrettably, I have only seen two of Kitano's other
films: "Sonatine," a disposable black comedy about a group of
yakuza, and "Fireworks," a brilliant police drama that defies
superficial description. Though "Zatoichi" is completely unlike
either of those films in both plot and theme, it is filled with the
same playful blend of quirky comedy and brutal, stylized violence,
and it is unmistakably the work of a filmmaker in complete control
of his craft. Even though his movie operates within the framework of
an old-fashioned samurai epic, Kitano infuses "Zatoichi" with
elements from several conflicting genres, including slapstick comedy
and, more interestingly, the musical. The contrasting styles meld
seamlessly, making this one of the most unusual films of the year.
Note: "Zatoichi" is showing at the Tower Theater in Sacramento.
"The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi" is rated R for graphic violence,
gore and adult themes.
Jason Wallis is a Lodi resident and webmaster of Filmaholics
Anonymous, which hosts a complete archive of his reviews. He can be
contacted by e-mail.
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2004/09/11/news/lodi%
20living/03_wallis2_040911.txt
[Next #5511]
#5511 [2004-09-12 03:21:09]
R: [samuraihistory] Article: Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
by
Carlo Tacchini
I highly recommend this movie. The final Matsuri-style ballet is a gem
in itself.
-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: Kitsuno [mailto:samurai-listowner@...]
Inviato: domenica 12 settembre 2004 12.01
A: samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com
Oggetto: [samuraihistory] Article: Quirky comedy, brutal violence in
Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
By Jason Wallis
...OMISSIS...
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2004/09/11/news/lodi%
20living/03_wallis2_040911.txt
[Previous #5510] [Next #5512]
#5513 [2004-09-12 05:42:02]
R: R: [samuraihistory] Article: Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
by
Carlo Tacchini
Too Cool !!!
It seems to me it is a character already seen in A Kurosawa's movie,
can't remember which one just now...
-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: Nate Ledbetter [mailto:ltdomer98@...]
Inviato: domenica 12 settembre 2004 14.40
A: samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com
Oggetto: Re: R: [samuraihistory] Article: Quirky comedy, brutal violence
in Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
My favorite is the random ashigaru running all over
the place...
Nate
--- Carlo Tacchini
wrote:
> I highly recommend this movie. The final
> Matsuri-style ballet is a gem
> in itself.
>
> -----Messaggio originale-----
> Da: Kitsuno
> [mailto:samurai-listowner@...]
> Inviato: domenica 12 settembre 2004 12.01
> A: samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com
> Oggetto: [samuraihistory] Article: Quirky comedy,
> brutal violence in
> Kitano's 'Zatoichi'
>
> Quirky comedy, brutal violence in Kitano's
> 'Zatoichi'
>
> By Jason Wallis
> ...OMISSIS...
>
>
>
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2004/09/11/news/lodi%
> 20living/03_wallis2_040911.txt
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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