DVD Review: Zatoichi Televsion Series - Volume 4

Though it was syndicated I don’t know many of you outside of Canada ever heard of this show but I realize that Zatoichi is a very much like a show I used to watch as a small child called ‘The Littlest Hobo’. ‘The Littlest Hobo’ was this lone German Shepherd dog that roamed the Canadian countryside helping local folk in trouble and capturing the bad guy. And when the bad guys were apprehended our four-legged hobo friend would trot off, on to his next small Canadian town looking to help the down trodden and innocent. And for a small child it was heartbreaking every time he walked off into the sunset. Tears were shed. Parents tried to console the inconsolable. Every dog deserves a home as does every masseur. He too deserves a place to rest his tired feet, a place where he doesn’t have to worry about the sharp edge of a blade. But then this was the path that both of our heroes chose isn’t it?

And while there are some stark differences between the two – I don’t remember the littlest hobo unsheathing a katana sword from inside his tail when averting a crime – the spirit is the same. And so, with the fresh perspective and comparison in my mind I went back to Ichi.

Episode 14: Fighting Journey with Baby in Tow – A woman is killed leaving Zatoichi to tend to her child. While journeying to town, Zatoichi and child run afoul of Yakuzas.

While this episode followed my aforementioned children’s book framework the viewer gets a more than intimate look at the compassionate side of Ichi. However painful it is to watch him attempt to ‘mother’ the child the only a mother can it is also touching to see him love this child unconditionally. We also see a lesson how power corrupts and can blind you to your own family. There aren’t too many surprises in this episode since it followed the Zatoichi formula by the book. Enjoyable.

Episode 15: Festival Song of the Raven – An act of mercy backfires on Zatoichi. After Zatoichi spares a man’s life, the man is later killed by Yakuzas who pin the blame on Zatoichi.

This was my favorite episode of this volume. Again, we are witness to the compassionate side of Ichi. We are also witness to a rare glimpse of a Yakuza family and boss that seems to genuinely care. Though we don’t see any questionable activities by this family they certainly seem more honorable than other families in the story. Recommended.

Episode 16: The Winds from Mt. Akagi – After stealing rice from the government, Chuji hides from officials on Akagi mountain. Since he owes Chuji a favor, Zatoichi tries to help.

This episode blurs the line between Yakuza and Government. Seen as a hero of the people by stealing the rice from corrupt officials Chuji is loved by everyone from the lowly farmers to his devoted men. However, blinded by anger from the perceived betrayal of a former prostitute Chuji orders the death of a long time friend, Kansuke. Honor is at stake and lives will be lost. This episode also has one of the most exquisitely lit and executed scenes I have seen in this series. Look for the night scene outside the home when Kansuke’s nephew Asataro returns and he meets Kansuke’s daughter, Okayo outside. Brilliant.

Episode 17: Burning Sunset in Bridal Pass – Zatoichi visits a house in which a young woman is about to get married. But the local administrator causes suffering by putting her groom in jail.

If the last episode blurred the line between Yakuza and Government there is no hiding the fact that in this episode the officials are the clear enemy of the people. Exerting his power at will and taking whatever liberties he pleases. And I do mean whatever liberties the local official interferes in the wedding of a friend’s daughter. Throughout the episode there is a nagging thought that there is something behind the scenes that will not reveal itself until the end of the episode. Subtle clues lead the viewer tease the viewer along the familiar path of an Ichi episode. The results are favorable. C’mon! This is Ichi we’re talking about. An excellent episode.

Released by Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock
Format: Animated, Color, Subtitled, NTSC
Language: Japanese
Region: Region
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 2
Run Time: 225 minutes

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Volume 5 out August 29