Film Screening: The Tale of Zatoichi

The Samurai on Screen season continues with The Tale of Zatoichi, which depicts the adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman.

Ichi is a blind masseur who travels Japan during the late Edo period (1603–1868) and confronts villains with his incredible Iaijutsu, a Japanese martial art technique which involves rapidly drawing and striking with a blade.

Katsu Shintaro, who played the lead role, was a superstar known affectionately as 'Katsu Shin'. In this film he portrays Ichi, a fascinating character with two contrasting facets: a gentle, silly man and an invincible swordsman. Ichi, who is both a zato (a rank denoting a blind masseur) and a kyokaku (chivalrous outlaw) stands in contrast to the samurai in terms of social status, yet he embodies the true spirit of bushido: justice, courage and benevolence.

Directed by Misumi Kenji, a master of chanbara (sword-fighting) cinema, this is the first in a popular long-running series of 26 films starring Katsu in the role of Ichi.

In Japanese with English subtitles. Duration: approx. 96 mins.

Screenings: 17 May (Sunday) and 20 May (Wednesday) 2026.

Booking Essential | Admission Free. Booking opens 30 April 2026 at 10:00.