A ronin desperately seeks a way out of financial straits; he allies with the Tosa clan under the ruthless leader Takechi, who quickly takes advantage.
Acting
Mishima's terrifying stillness as the zealot Shinbei.
Cinematography
Gosha's claustrophobic framing traps you with these men.
Direction
The final crucifixion sequence: unbearable, unflinching.
Director
Hideo Gosha
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mishima's casting was his own demand; he financed part of the film to secure the role of his ideological double.
JP
