Chushingura - The tale of the 47
Ronin is probably the most celebrated in Samurai folklore, having been recounted
and romanticized through plays, novels, television, and film over the last three
centuries.
The story dates back to the early 1700s, when Asano Naganori,
Lord of Ako, was called to Edo to receive Imperial envoys. The young Asano was
to be assisted in the matters of court etiquette by high official Kira
Yoshinaka, but the two had a falling out, allegedly because Asano failed to
present adequate gifts to Kira.
After repeated public humiliation from the elderly official,
Asano drew his sword against him, a crime for which Asano was ordered to commit
seppuku. Of Asano's retainers, all of whom became "Ronin" or masterless Samurai,
forty-seven slowly bided their time until all guards were down, and stormed
Kira's castle a year later to avenge their Lord's death.
Sentenced to seppuku, the forty-seven Ronin were later
anointed as heroes for their loyalty, bravery, and adherence to the bushido
ethic. This version of Chushingura is often called one of the best.
The movie centers on a particular Ronin among the 47 named "Yasube
Horibe."
Director: Shunsaku Kawake
Stars: Takuya Kimura, Eri Fukazu, Junichi Okada
2001 - JAPANESE with OPTIONAL ENGLISH SUBTITLES - Color - FULL
SCREEN - 160 Minutes
