Zatoichi the Outlaw (1967)

The 16th Zatoichi film was the only one of the series directed by Satsuo Yamamoto. His style is noticeably different from what came before. It's busier and the world feels more populated, which isn't a bad thing, but it was unexpected. The film is also slightly longer than usual, perhaps to accommodate the lengthy passing of time that’s in the script.
Ichi’s usual good judgement fails him and he finds himself in the employ of the sort of people he usually avoids. While making amends he gets to once again display his unique shamisen skills and, of course, in the finale he exhibits his magnificent swordsmanship. During the bloodshed there's one scene in particular that had me grinning from ear to ear.

3½ crooked paths out of 5