Fight, Zatoichi, Fight (1964)

A return to form for the long-running series, and one in which we get to see the softer side of the swordsman, as the plot involves him taking an orphaned baby under his wing. Eventually, a female pickpocket joins the two as a nanny of sorts, and the oddball family dynamics provide both merriment and pathos. Oh yeah... there's lots of quality swordfighting too (in the old-school style this time around -- no blood gushers or anything). So this one's solid.

Grade: B+