Story: Zatoichi wanders himself into a village stuck in turmoil (sounds familiar….) When the village with more power kidnaps two gambler’s visiting from the other town, it would seem like a clear enemy is established. Zatoichi meets up with Asagoro, who willingly pays the gambling debts of his two unfortunate citizens. Feeling the need to make things right, Zatoichi slaughters the kidnappers and in return, gives Asagoro complete control of the villages. Feeling he’s done good, Zatoichi leaves the scene.

Oh, it would seem like I just spoiled the whole movie right there, however, there’s more. Word gets out that Asagoro didn’t match up to Zatoichi’s prestige image. In fact, Asagoro used Ichi as a pawn in his games in order to reach the ultimate leadership. With the help of a local official, Asagoro becomes an instrument of corruption and destruction to the peasants. It is up to Ichi to restore peace and order into yet another village in despair.

Review: Zatoichi is clearly channeling in his super-hero persona in “Zatoichi the Outlaw.” With his extraordinary sword skills comes great responsibility. And just like any Marvel superhero, sometimes when the hero thinks they’re doing right, there’s always that someone who’s affected by the actions. Zatoichi always strives to protect the innocent and strike down the corrupt, but he really messes up this time. Early in the film when he tries to escort two gamblers back to their village, he gets attacked. Like the swordsman he is, he gives these potential murderers a taste of their own medicine. But when their bodies are shreddered-up by Ichi’s swift blade, he discovers they are the first acquaintances he made in the village! Aye, talk about the ultimate super-hero dilemma.

Well, rather than staying in this village to sniff out all the information, Ichi jumps in and kills who he thinks it the source of the troubles. However, his actions becomes the whip that kick-starts the real conflict. Rather than dwell on his mistake and quit his job as a wandering justice man, he goes right back into the village to set things right. With his cane/sword in his right hand, and some sort of jerky in the other, Ichi’s back at his best! As Ichi does: slash first, worry later.

Is there really anything negative you can say about Sintaro Katsu’s portrayal of Ichi? Seriously, Kitano’s Zatoichi is like an ant compared to Katu’s grasshopper! It was nice to stray away from the typical Ichi in the 2003 version, but in the end, I’d take the original anyday. However, the comedic aspects and action were bumped up a notch in Kitano’s version. Regardless, the actors that portrayed the supporting cast were perfect. Asagoro’s metamorphosis from a fearless, great leader into a downright bastard is the perfect fuel to the viewer’s flame. Even the actress who plays O-Shino (whom has very little screen time) manages to suck us into her drama and feel her pain.

What makes Kitano’s version so damn good is his ability to mend art and violence so beautifully together. The violence in “Zatoichi the Outlaw” is raw, but lacking in numbers. Aside from four or five decapitations, this one is fairly tame by Zatoichi standards. But the few who die, they die to the viewer’s satisfaction. The one scene that takes the cake is when the villagers throw Ichi on a wooden board and carries him like a God to slaughter the final boss. Can you get anymore bad-ass than that? The answer is no.

For those of you who are starving for more Zatoichi, then “Zatoichi the Outlaw” is a must-have. Even for those who have no idea what the hell a Zatoichi is, then this film is a perfect introduction to the long-running Japanese series. Prepare to empty out your wallets because once you start the Zatoichi saga, you won’t want to stop baby.