Swords and soccer balls

After watching Chelsea draw with Fulham, 2-2, in the Premiership this morning on television, I dropped Takeshi Kitano's "Zatoichi" into the computer's DVD drive.
Kitano, also the actor-director of "Sonatine," took a gamble when he decided to make a "Zatoichi" film.
Shintaro Katsu made Japanese cinematic history by starring as the blind masseur/master swordsman in a number of films, starting with "Zatoichi Monogatari" in 1962.
Kitano's 2003 version of the classic tale was highly entertaining, however, in part because it was styled like Kitano's best films.
As in "Sonatine," there are bits which make you laugh out loud... immediately followed by scenes of astounding and sudden violence.
This juxtaposition might not be for everyone, but I consider Kitano one of the best of the current filmmakers, and "Zatoichi" yet another example of the varied nature of Japanese film.
I listened to BBC Radio Five Live online following the film.
Today was a remarkable day for Sheffield's football clubs, and several people from the Steel City called in to the popular 606 program.
My club, Sheffield Wednesday, traveled to South Yorkshire neighbors Barnsley and won, 3-0, to climb to ninth place in the second-tier Championship.
There was good news at Bramall Lane as well, as Christian Nade scored as Sheffield United defeated Arsenal, 1-0. The Blades won despite playing a half hour with midfielder Phil Jagielka serving as emergency goalkeeper.