Plot: What’s it about?
At the same time Zatoichi frequents an inn, a dying woman resides there also and of course, the blind swordsman’s path crosses with hers. As she passes through her final moments of life, she makes a request of Zatoichi. She has a young son and as there is no one to care for the child, she wants him taken to his father. Zatoichi agrees and sets off to find the child’s father, who lives in a nearby town and works as an artist. He soon reaches the town, but his journey doesn’t end there, as the father is in some serious trouble. An addiction to gambling combined with a string of bad luck has put the man in deep debt, to the wrong kind of people. So in order to pay back his debts, little by little, he has to engage in some unsavory activities. The mobsters don’t care for his art talents, but if he can work some illegal pornographic projects, then cash could be made. So that is what the father has to do, with little choice, other than certain doom for unpaid debts. Zatoichi has plans to end this man’s enslavement and reunite the family, but he faces obstacles. In addition to the normal risks involved with mobster clashes, a local samurai also stands in his path. He has no ill will toward this warrior, but if he tries to free the father, a clash will ensue. But Zatoichi never backs down, even if death looms from all directions…
This is the seventeenth volume of Zatoichi, but as usual, the series shows no signs of losing its sharp edge. Zatoichi Challenged is not the best installment, but it is a good one without question, is one of the more unusual episodes. A musical number is enough to earn that distinction, but this is also a much more stylish than usual production. The emphasis on visual style hides a rather mundane plot, but this is by means a dull picture. In truth, the Zatoichi series is more about development than film to film plots, so a mediocre one here is no shock. After all, we learn a little more about Zatoichi and his character evolves, which is what counts. A lot of attention is placed on emotions here too, much more than in most Zatoichi installments. But rest assured, the stylish approach doesn’t hinder the action the series is famous for, quite the opposite. The stylistic camerawork enhances the battles more than a little, which adds impact and polish. The final clash, which takes place in a snow covered location, is most impressive. Again, a lot of importance is placed on emotion, even in this climactic conflict, but the action is still top notch. So this is not the usual Zatoichi movie, but it has the expected elements and adds in some nice surprises. All in all, a very solid volume and for fans of the series, Zatoichi Challenged shouldn’t be missed.
Video: How does it look?
Zatoichi Challenged is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Thanks to Home Vision’s restoration work, this is one good looking presentation in all respects. The print still has some debris, but there isn’t too much and on the whole, the print looks very clean. The colors look bright and while not that rich, it seems to be as intended, as the hues are consistent throughout and don’t appear washed out, per se. No troubles with contrast either, as black levels look sharp at all times. I think fans of the series will be quite pleased, as Home Vision has done some fine work here, as usual for this series.
Audio: How does it sound?
A solid, though unremarkable mono option is used here and on the whole, it handles the material in fine fashion. As expected, some hiss, pops, and other signs of wear are evident, but not as many as you might assume. In addition, these errors never become a distraction and as such, I doubt anyone will complain too much. The original Japanese language is preserved, with clean and sharp vocals that never become harsh or muddled. The limits of mono and the material’s age prevent any kind of dynamic presence, but the music and sound effects come through well enough, all things considered. This disc also includes optional English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
