Not even bad in a good way

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Director Kenji Misumi returns to the series once more to direct Zatoichi Challenged, the 17th installment of the saga. Coming off from Zatoichi the Outlaw, one of the fresher entries, you might be surprised to find out that this movie is back to the old generic roots without much, if any, innovation. The plot is lifted from Fight! Zatoichi! Fight! (also directed by Misumi), except the boy that Zatoichi takes care of isn't a toddler in this case, and overall the film feels very plain, without anything new thrown onto the table.There's a peculiar sub-plot with the baddies smuggling some dining plates with pornographic drawings on them (inspiring the excellent Criterion artwork), but it doesn't live up to the potential and in fact sounds more like a plot for a Hanzo the Razor film. The kid's acting is pretty bad, and the movie starts off like a musical, with one song after another. Luckily, it quickly abandons this idea. There's also another mystery ronin, this time a bad guy, unlike the altruistic philosopher from the previous film. Here, the movie ends with a duel between him and Zatoichi, and what makes it interesting is that the ronin's fate is radically different from the other bad guys' from the franchise.The only thing #17 improves as opposed to #16 is the soundtrack. Sei Ikeno's music in #16 is too intrusive and melodramatic (but I forgive him, for he composed one of the best movie soundtracks ever for 1968's Affair in the Snow), while the soundtrack to #17 almost feels like it belongs in a spaghetti western.Highlight of the film: Zatoichi slices off some guy's eyebrows.

This is another entry in the series directed by Kenji Misumi, but perhaps it is not one of his best.This is a good film. I like the variety of characters and emotions in the film. Although I don't sing enka (traditional Japanese love songs) in the karaoke, I enjoyed seeing it here in this film. Zatoichi loves any kind of music. And yes, it does seem very 1960s, because the film was MADE in the 1960s.Unlike other Misumi films which are tightly paced and have a clear direction, Zatoichi Challenged meanders a bit through the middle of the film. It is the ending of the film which should have your full attention.Once again, Zatoichi must square off against a samurai. But unlike other entries in the series, Zatoichi actually respects this one. But in the end, Zatoichi must defy the samurai to protect his friends. The usual duel ensues, but the ending to the duel is unique and very satisfying.This one is worth watching if you are a Zatoichi fan and worth the price for Zatoichi collectors.

Zatoichi fans will find this one of the most enjoyable in the series. I was put off by a musical number near the beginning--very 1960s. However, the movie quickly settles into an engaging plot. The iconic "mysterious stranger" that always appears at the start and end of Zatoichi films has a larger role here and is an interesting character. One of the best endings in the series.

Saddled with one of the series more arcane plots, Zatoichi Challenged makes up for it by looking absolutely stunning. The colours are bright and crisp and full advantage is taken of the Panavision lens. Add in another great score from Akira Ifukube and you've got one of the best of the Zatoichi flicks.