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

6/10

Very good story lines

This is another good performance from Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi. Also, the character, Jumonji, was very versatile. First, he befriends Zatoichi on a boat journey, where they play a game of chess. After they land in town, they stay at the same inn,and Zatoichi becomes the area masseur in the inn. Then, Jumonji finally challenges Zatoichi to a fight. What's really intriguing about this film is that the compassion that Zatoichi has for children. When the little girl thanks him for getting her the medicine needed to save her life, he gets all emotional and has to run outside. And another heartwarming scene is towards the end of the movie, when she helps Zatoichi with his shoes, he gets down and touches her face, before he moves on his journey.