ON FAITH & MEDIA | Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi, The

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Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi, The

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Source: Catholic News Service

Stylish but gory revenge tale set in 19th-century Japan about a wandering, blind blade-master (Beat Takeshi) who uses his lethal sword skills to rid a small farming village of a gang of ruthless bandits. Incorporating cross-genre elements as diverse as vaudevillian slapstick and hip-hop dance, Takeshi -- who also wrote and directed the film under the name Takeshi Kitano -- gives the classic samurai tale a jazzy makeover, which, though chock full of blood-splattered swordfights, is not without moments of beauty, emotion and humor. Stylized action violence with associated gore, brief suggestion of child prostitution, a suicide, cross-dressing references and some crude language and humor. Subtitles. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

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Paulinus of Nola: Anyone who is praised in the letters of six or seven saints undoubtedly must be of extraordinary character. Such a person was Paulinus of Nola, correspondent and friend of Augustine(August 28), Jerome (Sep[tember 30), Melania, Martin (November 11), Gregory (September 3) and Ambrose (December 7).
<p>Born near Bordeaux, he was the son of the Roman prefect of Gaul, who had extensive property in both Gaul and Italy. Paulinus became a distinguished lawyer, holding several public offices in the Roman Empire. With his Spanish wife, Therasia, he retired at an early age to a life of cultured leisure. </p><p>The two were baptized by the saintly bishop of Bordeaux and moved to Therasia’s estate in Spain. After many childless years, they had a son who died a week after birth. This occasioned their beginning a life of great austerity and charity, giving away most of their Spanish property. Possibly as a result of this great example, Paulinus was rather unexpectedly ordained a priest at Christmas by the bishop of Barcelona. </p><p>He and his wife then moved to Nola, near Naples. He had a great love for St. Felix of Nola, and spent much effort in promoting devotion to this saint. Paulinus gave away most of his remaining property (to the consternation of his relatives) and continued his work for the poor. Supporting a host of debtors, the homeless and other needy people, he lived a monastic life in another part of his home. By popular demand he was made bishop of Nola and guided that diocese for 21 years. </p><p>His last years were saddened by the invasion of the Huns. Among his few writings is the earliest extant Christian wedding song.</p>

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