Zatoichi and the Chess Expert (1965)

Zatoichi and the Chess Expert stands out in the series because it plays like a sharp-minded thriller in samurai clothing, where every encounter feels like a move on a board and every kindness carries a cost. Shintaro Katsu gives Zatoichi a bruised humanity—funny, stubborn, quietly tender—that makes the action hit harder and the quieter scenes linger longer. The film’s vibe is moody and atmospheric, balancing swift, clean bursts of swordplay with a surprisingly intricate web of loyalty, revenge, and compassion, all rendered with confident, handsome filmmaking. If you want a simple, straight-line action romp, this one’s a bit more knotty and emotional—but if you’re on the fence, that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding watch.

Zatoichi and the Chess Expert is clearly aiming for a moody, character-driven chapter in the series, mixing yakuza pressure, a fragile friendship, and a sentimental “save the child” thread with bursts of swordplay. The problem is it often feels like it’s marking time: the drama and light romance lean long, the pacing is unhurried to a fault, and the editing can make scenes feel choppier or more repetitive than they need to be. If you’re coming for a tight, action-forward samurai romp, this one may test your patience and feel longer than its runtime. But if you enjoy the Zatoichi formula and don’t mind a slower, talkier build to a few satisfying confrontations, there’s still enough atmosphere and character warmth to make it worthwhile.