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You can stream Zatoichi's Flashing Sword (1964) on Criterion Channel with a subscription.

Blind masseur Zatoichi is nursed back to health by a young woman after he is shot by a gang member. Zatoichi, who had come to the village to repay a debt, now feels further indebted. He commits himself to use his amazing sword skills to help the young woman's father, whose river-crossing service is under attack by the same gang responsible for Zatoichi's wounds.

Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is a film that explores themes of samurai, sequel, zatoichi.