The adultery of a samurai’s wife, followed by revenge against her affair partner – a film depicting low-class samurais in a feudal society and the pressure they faced.

In the mid-Tokugawa Era, Ogura Hikokuro, a samurai of the Tottori domain, heads back to his home country where his beloved wife Otane awaits. However, things appear odd at home – everyone was talking about Otane’s adultery with her drum teacher, Miyaji Gen’emon. Hikokuro, initially content with his wife’s explanation that it is just a rumor, soon is struck by a shocking reveal about her one-night mistake. Hikokuro wants to forgive his wife, but the samurai society’s customs do not allow that. While his wife apologizes and tries to flee, saying she cannot die, Hikokuro makes up his mind and kills her. Later, he avenges his wife with his son by killing Miyaji Gen’emon. However, upon hearing his son say, “We avenged her”, Hikokuro screams, “Do you think this drummer is the only one who killed Otane!?”

Japan｜ 1958｜ 95min｜ ｜ Gendai Production｜

• Human Drama