Zatoichi (a classic Japanese character and the subject of dozens of films) rises again in this feature directed by Takeshi Kitano. This time, he's a kindly, blind traveling masseur who conceals his prodigious skills as a swordsman. Upon entering a town in his usual low-key manner, Zatoichi finds it overrun with ruffians. After some prodding, Zatoichi agrees to help the Naruto sisters (two unscrupulous geishas) avenge the death of their parents.