The story of a low-class samurai torn between his superior’s ego and preserving his family's lineage within the absurd structure of a feudal society.

In a small domain in Banshu, a poor samurai Shimpachi kills his superior, Okuno Magodayu, after an altercation regarding an armory inspection. After a discussion involving Shimpachi’s older brother Juubei, Shimpachi is sent to Kannno-ji Temple for breaking the rules forbidding personal fights. Meanwhile, Shume, younger brother of Magodayu, succeeds the Okuno family’s reigns. Still fuming from the murder of his brother, he tries to settle his score with Shimpachi. However, through an unfortunate turn of events, Shume loses his sword and is killed by Shimpachi who never wanted to fight him in the first place. The story spreads within the domain which decides that Tatsunosuke, the youngest brother of the Okuno family, is officially allowed to take his revenge on Shimpachi.

Japan｜ 1964｜ 103min｜ ｜ Toei｜

• Human Drama