It's the end of an era, folks. Toho Studios have announced the launch of production of Zatoichi The Last and word is that the title is an appropriate one: Toho are saying that this will be the final entry in the long running Zatoichi canon. The story of the blind master swordsman has been a huge favorite for decades now so it comes as something of a surprise that Toho are pulling the plug on the title. Junji Sakamoto takes the helm of this one fresh on the heels of Chameleon - I seem to have been one of the only people who really liked that one - with SMAP's Shingo Katori taking on the role, which means we're getting a much younger Zatoichi than we're used to.
Takuya Kimura did a great job playing a blind samurai in "Bushi no ichibun." Shingo's going to have a hard time topping his fellow SMAP member.
hwere does the Kitano film fits in the series ? Is it considered canonical ?
First they end Godzilla (or is it just a decade-break?)... now Zatoichi? what's next?
Is this like saying no more Wong Fei-Hung movies are going to be made? If there's money to be made, Zatochi will be back.
As AS said, there's a library to get out there for those willing to view the films.
I don't believe Katano's version is part of canon, but just a fun flick (or maybe homage). At least, I hope it was. I love Takeshi's stuff, but I don't think it held a candle to the original stuff.
I agree with Momo above, I never really warmed up to Takeshi’s version, I couldn't get past the CGI blood and sword.
Kitano's take on the character was great, you just need to stop comparing it with Katsu Shin's take.
Loved Kitano's take. Surreal, funny and with beautiful slo-mo CGI blood fountains. Better than that, I cannot imagine...