Zatoichi and the Chess Expert

Original title: Zatôichi jigoku-tabi

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

Action Adventure Drama

A samurai with a high skill in chess makes friends with Zatoichi, who finds that things become peculiar in his presence.A samurai with a high skill in chess makes friends with Zatoichi, who finds that things become peculiar in his presence.A samurai with a high skill in chess makes friends with Zatoichi, who finds that things become peculiar in his presence.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The traditional Japanese sandals which Zatoichi wears in the film are known as geta. The two large 'teeth' on the soles are called ha, while the sole which the foot rests upon is called dai (stand).

Quotes
Zatoichi: You have to understand, Otane. The man you're looking at is dirt. And everyone who comes close to him or touches him, in one way or another gets muddied by that dirt. There's nothing I can do about being dirt myself, but I don't want you to get mired in my dirt.

Connections
Followed by Zatoichi's Vengeance (1966)

User reviews10

Review

Featured review

9/10

Mikio Narita as Jumonji, the Chess Expert

I agree with the positive remarks left by others about the overall charm of this movie, but the real treasure is actor Mikio Narita (January 31, 1935-April 9, 1990.) He was one of the better character actors of his generation, which is obvious when you compare this performance to his portrayal of an effete imperial minister, who happens to be deadly with a sword, in "Shogun's Samurai", a/k/a "The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy." As Jumonji, Narita borrowed Sam Spade's unique gesture from "The Maltese Falcon," that is, when contemplating a problem, he rubs the side of his nose and then snaps his fingers when inspired with a solution. The script gives him plenty of opportunities to emerge as a full and unforgettable character, and his presence in this episode of the Zatoichi franchise is reason enough to see this film.