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Asao Koike, Joji Takagi, Katsuo Nakamura, Kiwako Taichi, Kyoko Yoshizawa ... see more see more... , Masumi Harukawa , Shintarô Katsu , Yasuhiro Koume

When the legendary blind swordsman attempts to make up for his role in the death of an elderly woman by rescuing her daughter from a life of prostitution, he soon finds himself beset by deadly foes on... read more read more... all sides in this entry in the long-running swordplay series directed by Zatoichi himself, Shintaro Katsu. Upon arriving in a small town in search of the old woman's daughter, Nishikigi, Zatoichi discovers that the beautiful young woman is the most popular prostitute in the brothel. In a desperate bid to collect the money needed to steer the sinful Nishikigi from a life between the sheets, Zatoichi hustles a local Yakuza gang who don't take kindly to his profitable ruse. Now facing the wrath of the local Yakuza boss, a deadly swordsman, and Nishikigi's jealous lover, Zatoichi faces the fight of his life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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70% liked it

767 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Asao Koike, Joji Takagi, Katsuo Nakamura, Kiwako Taichi, Kyoko Yoshizawa, Masumi Harukawa, Shintarô Katsu, Yasuhiro Koume

Release Date: January 1, 1972

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DVD Release Date: August 10, 2004

Stats: 29 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (29)

  • SirPant
    April 30, 2012
    SirPant
    Zatoichi in desperation is aptly titled. This is rather unique Zatoichi film as it comments on so many sociological issues, the frustration that he entails is that sometimes he can't save people when they don't want to be saved. It could have been called Zatoichi in Frustration. ... read moreThis one also has the edge on many of the others due to its superior visuals. The editing during the scene where the lady falls from the bridge and the subsequent flashbacks are brilliant. The franchise seemed to hit a real peak in the last few films. Not sure about the 'Wanking off a retard' scene though.
  • kiriyamakazou
    September 10, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    Katsu jumps behind the camera for this installment, and what an installment it is. Zatoichi in Desperation is no understatement of a title. This is a very dark and disturbing film, by any standards. The film begins with Zatoichi walking across a bridge and meeting an old woman, t... read morehey chat for a bit before Zatoichi offers her some money. As she goes to take it, she falls through a gap in the bridge. This leads Zatoichi to search for the womans daughter. This film has some truly grim moments, which are hard to stomach or continue to watch. A mentally handicapped man is sexually abused for the amusement of others before being beaten. A young boy has his head caved in, and even Zatoichi takes on an excruciating punishment. It's worse than just a beating, it's a humiliation and one Zatoichi fans wont be comfortable seeing. Katsu gives a lot of attention to the world around Zatoichi, making for a fleshed out story that doesn't detract from the protagonist. He also has a distinct visual flair that sets this apart from other films in the series. Katsu WAS this character on every level, and this is one of Zatoichi's finest films, if not one of the characters finest moments.

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