Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- kinetic
- earnest
- vigilant
- classic cinema night
- samurai movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an unusually audacious Zatoichi installment, distinguished by inventive montage and striking cinematography alongside its effective action.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ichi is a blind masseur whose quick-draw swordsmanship and unwavering moral compass drive the story.
A corrupt governor and his henchmen exploit famine-stricken villagers and become central antagonists.
The film connects frantic villagers through conspicuous swish-pans, including an unexpected vertical movement, reflecting Ikehiro's experimental touch.
The film is an Edo-period Japanese jidaigeki featuring a wandering swordsman, samurai loyalties, yakuza figures, and quick-draw combat.
Films like Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold, and why
Zatoichi
shared jidaigeki setting, morally principled swordsman, and stylized swordplay
Blind Fury
shared blind swordsman protagonist, yakuza intrigue, and kinetic period action
Harakiri
shared japanese period setting, corrupt authorities, and emotionally serious sword combat
The Sword of Doom
shared chambara action, shifting loyalties, and anti-corruption themes
Movie Details
- Director
- Kazuo Ikehiro
- Release Date
- 1964-03-14
- Runtime
- 83 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (59)
Cast
- Shintarō Katsu
- Shōgo Shimada
- Mikiko Tsubouchi
- Machiko Hasegawa
- Tomisaburō Wakayama
- Tatsuya Ishiguro
- Matasaburô Niwa
- Hikosaburo Kataoka
- Shinjirō Asano
- Saburo Date
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold about?
- A blind wandering swordsman confronts corruption and shifting loyalties while recovering stolen tax money for famine-stricken villagers.
- What is Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold as graphic.
- What did critics think of Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an unusually audacious Zatoichi installment, distinguished by inventive montage and striking cinematography alongside its effective action.
- Which films are like Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold?
- Films with a similar feel include Zatoichi, Blind Fury, Harakiri, and The Sword of Doom.
- How long is Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold?
- Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold runs 83 minutes.
- Where can I watch Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold?
- In United States, Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold streams on Criterion Channel.
