Zatōichi (2003 film)
| Zatoichi | |
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Japanese theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Takeshi Kitano |
| Screenplay by | Takeshi Kitano |
| Based on | Zatoichi by Kan Shimozawa |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Katsumi Yanagishima |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Keiichi Suzuki |
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Running time | 116 minutes |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
| Box office | $34.2 million |
Zatoichi (座頭市, Zatōichi) (released in the US as The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi) is a 2003 Japanese jidaigeki action film, directed, written, co-edited by and starring Takeshi Kitano ("Beat" Takeshi) in his eleventh directorial venture. Kitano plays the role of the blind swordsman, with Tadanobu Asano, Michiyo Okusu, Yui Natsukawa, Guadalcanal Taka, Daigoro Tachibana, Yuko Daike, Ittoku Kishibe, Saburo Ishikura, and Akira Emoto in supporting roles.
A revival of the classic Zatoichi series of samurai film and television dramas, the film premiered on 2 September 2003 at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Director award, and went on to numerous other awards both at home and abroad.