kluseba Zatoichi and the Fugitives is the eighteenth entry in the Japanese franchise about the blind masseur, skilled swordsman and lowly yakuza. The film convinces with gloomy atmosphere, profound characters and brutal fight sequences. Zatoichi comes to a region that is terrorized by a group of cruel criminals and to a town controlled by a greedy boss who treats indebted citizens like slaves. Zatoichi stays at the local doctor's residence and grows fond of the generous man and his kind daughter. Things start getting complicated when an inspector comes to town who is looking for the fugitive criminals and when the leader of these criminals is revealed to be the doctor's disowned son. The greedy boss cooperates with the cruel fugitives and Zatoichi steps up to prevent further bloodbaths. However, the doctor and his daughter get kidnapped and Zatoichi gets severely wounded. The injured swordsman must free his friends, deal with the cruel fugitives and confront the evil boss.This movie convinces on many levels. First of all, it has a quite gloomy atmosphere showing intimidation, slavery and torture. Secondly, the movie's sinsiter tone is contrasted by a few likeable characters such as the generous doctor and his helpful daughter. Thirdly, the fight sequences are among the most intense in the franchise and especially the final thirty minutes when a severly injured Zatoichi takes his revenge are extremely intense. One has never seen Zatoichi as vulnerable as in this movie which only seems to make him stronger. The movie's tragic end is quite a tearjerker and also leaves a big impression.There aren't many negative things to say. Obviously, the story is once again quite predictable but that's the case for nearly all movies of the franchise. The middle section is atmospheric but maybe slightly plodding and could have been shortened by a few minutes for a more fluid and vivid experience.Still, this movie's brutal, desperate and gloomy atmosphere makes it one of the most remarkable entries in the franchise. Fans of old date, occasional fans of chambara films and those who are curious about the massive Zatoichi saga but haven't checked it out yet should appreciate Zatoichi and the Fugitives alike.

MartinHafer While the opening scene isn't too unusual for a Zatoichi film, the music that follows as the credits roll is. Instead of the usual fare, the song has a beat similar to some of the Spaghetti Westerns, though the singer is Japanese--an unusual style to say the least, though the Zatoichi films ARE at heart very similar to these Italian films (similar themes of good versus evil and the almost super-human hero).As for the rest of the film, it's full of the usual elements in a Zatoichi film--assorted bad guys who want to kill Ichi AND torment the masses, an evil but beautiful woman (not in all of these films, but a familiar element) and Ichi again not wanting to kill. And, as usual, the film begins with an attach on Zatoichi. Soon afterwords, Ichi arrives in the same town where a gang of assassins are being hid by a corrupt government official. Ichi strikes up a friendship with a kind and generous doctor that invites him to live with him and do massage on his patients. However, not unexpectedly, the assassins end up killing a lot of people for the evil official--necessitating Ichi to kick butt. However, in a twist, he's severely wounded by a gunshot and is practically dead on his feet during the final two confrontations--the first with the official and his gang and later with the assassins.Overall, a pretty typical but always good film from start to finish.By the way, at the 43 minute mark, there is a confrontation between Ichi and some jerks. This has to be one of the coolest and funniest ones I've seen in these films! It's a truly memorable scene.

masercot Ichi perforates a good man yakuza in this one. There is much killing and talk of killing. The fugitives in this movie are probably the most sadistic of Ichi's enemies. This movie follows formula, which, if you like Zatoichi movies, is not a bad thing. What is the formula, you ask:Two separate enemies. Both want Ichi dead and they interact with one another.The bloodless display of sword-drawing prowess. Ichi cuts something in front of a group of thugs so precisely that he deters them from violence.The hostage rescue. Ichi walks into a boss' headquarters and walks out with some innocent, often without drawing any blood.The friendship of people who are scornful of gangsters (which is what Ichi is, for all practical purposes).The young girl who falls for Ichi.The jaded woman who turns over a new leaf.The big battle at the end.This movie followed formula to the letter; however, Shintaro Katsu is an excellent actor. The doctor and the fallen woman also put in excellent performances. Everyone else just shouts a lot and reaches for his sword.I'd recommend this one to Ichi or samurai movie fans.

Scott David Hamilton (ScoPi) Zatoichi takes on a corrupt law officer and a group desperate fugitives. There is humor, and plenty of action. See Ichi take on an assassin with a gun!There isn't much to make this one stand out from the other later Zatoichi films, but it does have Takashi Shimura in a supporting role.