A lesser Zatoichi flick, but thats hardly a bad thing on its own merits.

Zatoichi begins work as a masseur and acupuncturist in a doctor's office, and quickly earns the enmity of the local yakuza as well as a group of dangerous fugitives hiding in the town. A standout entry packed with vicious and bloody action, including a scene where Ichi gets shot and has to dig out the bullet with his sword. That's hardcore. Kurosawa regular Takashi Shimura plays the kindly doctor.