Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (1964)

"The fool. Sees the glint of money and throws all caution to the wind. That's the problem with men who can see."

Ichi goes full vigilante superhero and it's excellent. Cinematography on a new level for this series. I mean there's no way this is 1964. A vibrant, grainy color palette elevates this series visually to a level we haven't seen yet. This film looks amazing and like it could've came out in the 80's. My favorite opening sequence in the entire series. Ichi alone in that pitch black backdrop, poetically mowing down hoards of enemies. Straight up CINEMA. It looks like something out of a James Bond film.

It's our familiar story of greed; government corruption and oppression of the marginalized folks. But also an interesting side quest for Ichi to overcome as well. Whether it's doing something honorable for people who don't deserve it or offering to transport a kid safely across the countryside, Ichi always follows his moral compass.

It's a banger film with some gorgeous cinematography accompanied by a welcomed element of suspense and a dramatic score.
One of the most memorable scenes for me; which turned out to inspire the Lone Wolf and Cub films; Ichi carries a child through the mountains and draws an army to his location to ensure safe passage for a group of old yakuza buddies. There's the lighting which is singularly carried by the lanterns as the setting moves from evening to the dark of night. Which is gorgeous. But then there's Ichi fighting off his attackers while carrying a toddler. Absolute banger of a scene.
Then there's one of the dopest final bosses; Jushiro, played by one of my favorites, Tomisaburo Wakayama, making his second appearance as an adversary for Shintaro Katsu in the series. The ronin character archetype who's signature weapon is a whip, while also being the best swordsman Ichi has crossed paths with at this point in the series. The gambling house scene between the two of them, when Ichi cuts the coin in half is also incredible.
After running through the entire Lone Wolf and Cub series, I have revisited this one with newfound appreciation and it's moved way up my list. It's a story of Ichi trying his hardest to redeem himself to some ungrateful villagers and in the process he finds redemption through someone he didn't know was watching his every move.
An exciting closing one on one duel with a twist delivers a satisfying conclusion. Classic. One of my favorite films of all time and the one that cemented Ichi as my favorite film character ever.