Zatoichi and the Fugitives (1968)

The 18th film goes from quiet beginnings to a spectacular finale that takes place in close quarters and is one of the bloodiest of the series so far, but it doesn't neglect the slow burn and traditional moments in between.
Most of the villains, a group of yakuza who gather in a small town at the same time as Ichi arrives, are ruthless, senseless thugs led by a man who’s characterised by his biding of time and sense of caution. Their behaviour forces the blind swordsman to get his rage on to take them down. It’s such a fierce feeling that even the skies respond in kind.
It adopts a spaghetti western style in places, even musically, but the spaghettis were heavily influenced by chanbara, so it kind of works.
Takashi Shimura lends support as a kindly doctor.

4 shoulders of great men out of 5