The Tale of Zatoichi Continues (1962) Review

 

Second film in the Zatoichi series and last in black and white.

This film follows Zatoichi as he returns to the village from the previous film to pay respects for a man he murdered. Along the wa,y he is chased by Yakuza who after him for a rather flimsy reason, so there's not much to care about with that aspect of the story.
The more interesting plot point is the addition of a samurai that a girl who Zatoichi once loved had left him for.
There are a couple more interesting details that are revealed about the whole affair towards the end too and it makes for some good drama. However, it does feel like it's not focused on enough throughout the film, until towards the end, and so it doesnt quite have the emotional impact you would hope for, but it's still pretty effective.
The film also does end in very abrupt manner that's more akin to a cliffhanger,
but it was rushed out only a few months after the first and has a runtime of only 77 minutes, so the sudden ending could be a consequence of those factors.
Overall, it's a step down from the previous, but still a good second film overall. ***1/2

The Tale of Zatoichi (1962) Review

 

This is the first film in the Zatoichi series, which between 1962 and 1973 produced 25 movies, all starring the same actor Shintaro Katsu in the titular role of Zatoichi a blind masseur/swordsman.

This is one of only two films in the series to be black and white (other being the second) and  sees Zatoichi being hired by a Yakuza gang leader and gets caught up in the conflict they have in the rival gang.

The way they establish some of Zatoichi's character early on is great. There's a bunch of gamblers who try to take advantage of him but he instead fools them and takes all their money, showing that he is smart and knows full well people how people will underestimate him because of his blindness.

Throughout the film more of his traits are revealed and you really get a rounded picture of the character and take quite a liking to him (well i did anyway). He's not perfect person but definitely has an empathetic side as well is an all around strong main character to have.

He also doesn't care much for the Yakuza conflict that is ongoing and actually befriends one of the samurai in the rival gang, building this real nice rapport with him. However, there is this looming sense that they will have to inevitably face off, and this the key that leads to great dama and really elevates the film, building up to a fantastic climax  and ending that is quite emotional with a stella performance from Katsu who really makes you feel for Zatoichi.

The film itself is also shot very well, and the rest of the performances are good too.
There is of course also some samurai action, with the rival gangs clashing in a very messy and chaotic manner, which contrasts nicely with Zatoichi who is precise and focused with his swordplay, usually ending things in a quick manner.

Overall, this is a great introduction and first film in the series that does good job at establishing the Zatoichi character and nails some  damn good drama in the process.

I look forward to exploring more of the series. ****

Kaiju fever: Mothra vs Godzilla (1962)

The 4th film in the Godzilla series and one of the best featuring fun monster action and really enjoyable human stuff. Revisiting similar elements themes found in Mothra particularly that of anti-commercialism as the human antagonist try and profit off Mothra's egg much like the villain exploits The Shobijin in Mothra. So Plot isn't the most unique but it is still really well executed, in fact the whole thing is just solidly made with good pacing, acting and action (some effects are a little dated and hokey but still fun) leading to a really entertaining watch.
A great entry in the series.****

James Bond in review part 1 (1962 - 1971)

This was meant to be done before the release of Spectre, but it wasn't cause reasons, anyway I've decided to post my thoughts on all the James Bond Movies, this first part deals with all of  Sean Connery's films (and the one George Lazenby).

Dr. No (1962)

The film that started it all, creating some of the well known tropes that can be seen throughout the rest of the James Bond series and  popularising the spy thriller genre in general. The film itself is pretty decent but nothing standout, these days, it just feels like a standard spy thriller despite being the one to first to utilize a lot of the genre conventions. Dr No. himself is quite interesting and has some nice dialogue exchanges with Bond, he has a nice slow reveal too and there's a particularly good earlier scene where we can only hear is voice that is certainly effective. All in all, it's a well made solid start for the franchise. ***

From Russia With Love (1963)

 From Russia with Love marks the first appearance of Blofeld (kind of), Q, a credits sequence at the start and a few other tropes in the James Bond series. It also already breaks from the standard formula set by the first film and is one of the few films where the climax isn't set in the villain's lair/base. It has a great opening sequence that introduces the henchman  Donald 'Red' Grant who has a great presence and ends up having a good face off with bond. Although, we mustn't forget Rosa Klebb who is a rather fun villain herself. Overall, the film is really good and much better than Dr No, with an interesting narrative and decent action. Oh and don't forget the gypsy girl fight. ***1/2

King Kong Vs Godzilla (1962)

With the new Godzilla coming up soon, it's put me in the mood to revisit a lot of the films in the series. I myself am a big fan of the films since I grew up watching them as a kid. Now King Kong vs Godzilla is one films where everything is kind of alright and that's about it.
The climatic fight is alright, the story is very standard and borrows alot of elements from the original King Kong. I do really like the Mr Tako character though, he's pretty funny.
It's also a shame that the original 35mm prints got lost as loss in quality during certain parts was sometimes distracting. Overall, the film's kind of fun, nothing spectacular but not too bad.
***