Zatoichi Challenged (1967)

The 17th Zatoichi film has the swordsman taking on the uncle/father role again, but it doesn't tread old ground, because the circumstances surrounding the pairing are different than before.
The kid’s antics provide humour, a travelling troupe adds colour, and there’s a secondary character (Jûshirô Konoe) that could easily carry a film all by himself. He and Ichi have some powerfully tense scenes together.
The finale is superb, but that shouldn't come as any great surprise to fans.

3½ twists of fate out of 5