After a several month binge of BREAKING BAD, THE SOPRANOS, WALKING DEAD, DEADWOOD, and BROADWALK EMPIRE, I once more abandoned Hollywood’s TV offerings by forgetting the password to HBO and Netflicks.
I read books again, but last month I watched Sergio Leone’s epic THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY.
A suggested film was labeled ZATAOCHI, THE BLIND SAMURAI set in Japan circa 1840.
As a young boy of 8 I had been enthralled by Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI and I instantly fell in love with Shintaro Katsu’s portrayals of a blind yakuza masseuse blessed with uncanny swordsmanship.
After viewing the complete collection I wandered further into chambara sword films of the 1960s and discovered SANBIKI NO SAMURAI or THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI in which three ronin or outlaw samurai defended impoverished peasants against a corrupt overlord.
The 1964 movie earned four stars from me.
No blaring background music, long sword fights, or car chases.
Nobility amongst the blackhearts.
Pure entertainment.
To view SANBIKI NO SAMURAI please go to the following URL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPR0aUA7n4E