The Tale of Zatoichi (Zatôichi monogatari)

Dir. Kenji Misumi. 1962, 96 mins. 35mm. In Japanese with English subtitles. With Shintaro Katsu, Masayo Banri. The first film in the long-running samurai series introduces Katsu as Zatoichi, a blind masseur who conceals his expert swordsmanship until life’s unfair situations force him to action. With bold widescreen compositions, Misumi deliberately builds the drama—with touches of comedy—toward the expertly choreographed final climactic battle.

Tickets for Friday evening screenings: $12 ($9 for senior citizens and students / free for Museum members) and includes admission to the Museum’s galleries, which are open until 8:00 p.m.