Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (1970)

Clash of the samurai-film titans turns out to be something of a disappointment -- this is second-tier Zatoichi all the way. It's more cynical and a bit meaner than most of the series entries, for sure. There's a lot more double-crossing and backstabbing, and at some point it seems that there may be no heroes at all. It's also, however, cursed by overlength and near-incomprehensible plotting. The action is generally worthwhile, plus Toshiro Mifune and Shintaro Katsu are still both immeasurably badass. Still, I can't help but feel that this should have been better than it is.

Grade: B