Zatoichi and the Doomed Man

Weakest entry in the film series so far.

No interesting side characters. Basic story line. Little mystery or surprise turns.

Everything is too straight forward. A bit of misdirection at the start where Zatoichi is unsure if he will help or not. Seemed out of character to let an innocent man die after he requested Zatoichi's help. But after a while, he does indeed help.

No connection with the main female character. She comes across as unlikeable.

No connection with his travelling companion. He is and is meant to be an unlikeable character.

A brief innocent child scenario but then gone.

Even the big bad bosses, they have brief roles. No depth to them. The climax comes too quickly. You don't recognized or feel reward by the huge task Zatoichi has to do to overcome these bosses.

The fight scenes were basic.