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Zatoichi poster

Zatoichi (2003)

“His sword made him a hero... his courage made him a legend.”

7.2/10 · 997 votes 1h 56m r ActionAdventureDrama

#34 of 156 films from 2003 #499 of 2168 in action

Directed by Takeshi Kitano · Written by Takeshi Kitano, Kan Shimozawa

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.

Cast

Takeshi Kitanoas Zatoichi / Ichi
Tadanobu Asanoas Hattori Genosuke
Michiyo Yasudaas Tante Oume
Yui Natsukawaas Oshino
Guadalcanal Takaas Shinkichi
Daigorô Tachibanaas Geisha Seitaro O-Sei Naruto
Yuko Daikeas Geisha Okinu Naruto
Ittoku Kishibeas Boss Inosuke Ginzo
Saburo Ishikuraas Ogi
Akira Emotoas Pub Owner
Hidebohas Dancing Farmer
Ron IIas Dancing Farmer
Sujias Dancing Farmer
Noriyasuas Dancing Farmer

Facts

Release dateSeptember 6, 2003
Runtime116 min (1h 56m) — about the same as the 2003 average of 107 min
GenresAction, Adventure, Drama
Original title座頭市
LanguageJA
Budget$2,500,000
Box office$34,196,922 (13.7× budget)
IMDbtt0363226

More from Takeshi Kitano

FireworksFireworks1997 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 43m KikujiroKikujiro1999 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 1m SonatineSonatine1993 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 34m BrotherBrother2000 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 53m

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GladiatorGladiator2000 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 35m Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of WarTae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War2004 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 28m The Count of Monte CristoThe Count of Monte Cristo2002 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 11m HeroHero2002 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 39m Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon2000 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 0m Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of FireNaruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire2009 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 35m Kung Fu PandaKung Fu Panda2008 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 30m House of Flying DaggersHouse of Flying Daggers2004 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 59m

Questions

How long is Zatoichi?
Zatoichi runs 116 minutes (1h 56m).
Is Zatoichi worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 997 votes, which places it #34 of 156 films released in 2003 in this index (top 79%) and #499 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed Zatoichi?
Zatoichi was directed by Takeshi Kitano. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Fireworks (1997), Kikujiro (1999), Sonatine (1993).
Who stars in Zatoichi?
Takeshi Kitano as Zatoichi / Ichi; Tadanobu Asano as Hattori Genosuke; Michiyo Yasuda as Tante Oume; Yui Natsukawa as Oshino; Guadalcanal Taka as Shinkichi; Daigorô Tachibana as Geisha Seitaro O-Sei Naruto.
What is Zatoichi rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Zatoichi?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/95337.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.