Takeshi Kitano as the blind swordsman of legend: Zatoichi

The film follows the traditional plot of the blind swordsman masquerading as a regular masseur and gambling enthusiast among townsfolk. Upon learning of the troubles caused by the local Yakuza (imposing heavy taxes for "protection" among the towns residents and local gang wars), being cheated in a game of dice run by one of the local gangs and swearing to avenge the deaths of the family two orphaned geishas at the hands of the yakuza boss., Zatoichi springs into action, slashing every Yakuza stupid enough to challenge him.

Trying to strike a seemingly harmless blind old man eh? Big mistake.

Zatoichi's first encounter with the local yakuza's powerful hired ronin, Hattori Gennosuke.

Takeshi Kitano, known for being a comedian always includes some slapstick humor in his films. Here's Zatoichi pretending he's not blind.

The movie ends with an amazing tap dance number with performers wearing traditional Noh masks.

With a perfect dose of bloody action and the occasional signature slapstick comedy (as expected of the comedian Takeshi Kitano) This movie surely makes it to my list of best samurai movies of all time.