Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold (1964)

The blind swordsman's 6th film opens in style and lets you know you’re in for something a little different this time. There are scenes that are very obviously played out on a set, but I suspect they’re deliberate. Like the opening, in those moments the setting is of less importance than what’s said or the actions taken by the cast. It’s good that they’re there, because the basic plot isn't anything new. Ichi gets wrongly accused of theft and must clear his name or face the consequences.
It was heart-warming to see him embrace music and as thrilling as always to see him share screen space with Tomisaburô Wakayama.

3½ avoidances out of 5