This existential tale of a conscienceless samurai consumed by ghosts of his own making is superbly acted and visually stunning. However, the film suffers from a plethora of coincidence and an ending seemingly calculated to frustrate.
In 1860, an old man prays for death so that his granddaughter Omatsu will be free of his burden. He has his wish granted--by ronin Ryunosuke Tsukue (Tatsuya Nakadai), who kills him.
The next day, Ryunosuke is to duel Utsugi (Ichiro Nakaya), a man nowhere near his equal who will be disgraced if he loses, and cause his family suffering. Utsugi's wife, Hama (Michiyo Aratama), comes to Ryunosuke in the night, trading her favor...
Released:
1966
Rated:
NR
Length:
120 mins