Where to Watch The Tale of Zatoichi (1962) in the US

What it's about

An impoverished blind masseur becomes a mercenary swordsman, to gain basic respect. The first of novelist Kan Shimozawa's Zatoichi series: 26 films, a TV series and a play, all but two starring controversial singer/producer/director Shintaro Katsu. First of six Zatoichi films directed by Kenji Misumi. The shrewd Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighboring town's smaller gang is brewing. The broke ex-masseur "Ichi" immediately wins big, by taking advantage of local bakuto's cheating, after they scoff at his asking to join a dice game. The larger horde, who have been given carte blanche by the local governor, summoned Zatoichi. Zatoichi hates the fact that he's become an outlaw, so he strikes up a friendship with the other gang's honorable hired samurai, who has TB.

Cast and crew

Director

Kenji Misumi

Writer

Minoru Inuzuka, Kan Shimozawa

Starring

Shintarô Katsu, Masayo Banri, Ryûzô Shimada

Details

Release date

Apr 18, 1962

Language

Japanese

Country

Japan

Awards

1 nomination total

Where to Watch The Tale of Zatoichi (1962) in the US — common questions

Where to watch The Tale of Zatoichi in the United States?

The Tale of Zatoichi is available with a subscription, to rent, or to buy in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD). Rent the movie on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Buy the movie on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Can I stream The Tale of Zatoichi or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on The Criterion Channel (HD). Rent the movie on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Buy the movie on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Can I watch The Tale of Zatoichi for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for The Tale of Zatoichi in the United States.