Zatoichi

[Drunk Monk]

Ichi goes back to his home town, finds government and yakusa intrigue, and cuts down a lot of villains. It's strange that the villagers don't know Ichi, of what he became. There's some good moments, Ichi is a dark avenger in this one, but it isn't a stellar example of the series. It doesn't bring much new to the table. Several motifs are recycled, although there is a fresh take on the ol' candle cutting so the flame stays on the blade. The action is decent although some of the swordplay is obscured for dramatic effect. There's some decent amputations and arterial sprays. No humor though. Watching the films in order makes the progression from comic to tragic overt.

Now...what to watch...