A spinoff of Zatoichi flicks featuring hot blind chick, a dull and unoriginal story (protect the village from the thugs) with production values on a TV movie level. Those beautiful forrest and mountains are sure nice to look at.

main idea is nice but the process...!

Beautifully filmed period drama starring Haruka Ayase as a blind travelling Shamisen player/swordswoman. Tonally darker than the original "Zatoichi" flicks, there are still several lighter moments interspersed throughout, as well as the expected lightning-fast action. For the most part the action is well filmed and realistic--i.e. no flying or sparking/clashing blades, just fast and fatal swordstrokes. Well worth a look for anyone who enjoys samurai drama or swordplay.

Great Japanese Western. The townspeople are being abused by the Badd gang, and our hero does something about it ... in 19th century Japan.

If Ichi hasn't killed too many people to count at the end, then it doesn't deserve its namesake. Story was lackluster to say the least, yet drags on the full two hours. Has neither the humor nor the weight found in the rest of the series. While decent it's still very disappointing.