I just saw this movie last night on European television (ARTE), with French sub-titles. My knowledge of Japanese cinema is sadly limited to Akira Kurosawa, and I had never heard the story of the blind swordsman everyone else is referring to. So perhaps my few modest words are for those who, like me, discovered this "legendary tale" with the film Ichi.
The story is beautifully told, and beautifully filmed as well. You really feel, during the whole (almost) two hours, you are in a different world, and this sharpens the senses into catching every glance, movement, stare and of course every element of body language... Haruka Ayase is breathtakingly beautiful -- delicate and yet showing remarkable inner strength from the very beginning. Not to mention her fascinating ability with her blade. The "blackhearted" Banki leader is almost a caricature of villainy and his Phantom-of-the-Opera style adds to his dark nature, making the ending all the more gripping.
I heartily recommend this film, and can tell you I enjoyed every minute of it. The flashbacks are cunningly done and do not confuse the viewer as they sometimes tend to do. Ichi's resilience, so well portrayed by Haruka Ayase, shines throughout the film and her image will stay with all of you lucky enough to see this extraordinary film! I will certainly buy the DVD, when it comes hopefully with something more of a bonus than just the trailer.Get more detail about Ichi [Blu-ray].
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