7.6
Where can I stream The Tale of Zatoichi legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Tale of Zatoichi
1962·Movie
·1h 36min·
The Tale of Zatoichi fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Fast-paced and violent
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace8
- Violence8
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Cathartic and nostalgic
- Catharsis7
- Nostalgia7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
- Physical Comedy5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
World
History, crime, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction and performances
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighFast-paced and violent
Fast from start to finish.
The Tale of Zatoichi is fast-paced, violent, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumCathartic and nostalgic
Emotionally, it's cathartic and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some slapstick.
All humor traits
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
The direction and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
Skip it if
Graphic violence bothers you
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing.
Classic Samurai FilmBlind SwordsmanYakuza WarfareMorality and JusticeHistorical JapanAction & IntrigueMaster SwordsmanLone HeroAtmospheric
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Tale of Zatoichi
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Tale of Zatoichi worth watching?
89
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 7.6 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Tale of Zatoichi rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Tale of Zatoichi?
1 h 36 min
The Tale of Zatoichi runs 1 h 36 min.
Is The Tale of Zatoichi based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Tale of Zatoichi?
Critics100
Audiences82
Not quite. Critics rate The Tale of Zatoichi higher (100) than audiences (82). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Tale of Zatoichi in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Tale of Zatoichi?
15
+1
+1GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Tale of Zatoichi in 15 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Tale of Zatoichi use?
Adaptational BadassAdaptational Alternate EndingAdaptational VillainyWorthy OpponentEarly-Installment WeirdnessWorf Had the FluPet the Dog
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for The Tale of Zatoichi, including Adaptational Badass, Adaptational Alternate Ending, Adaptational Villainy.