Chushingura - A young lord attempts
to combat the official corruption endemic to the Shogunate, only to be placed in
an impossible conflict of duties.
He refuses to bribe a Chancelor who is
responsible for teaching him the etiquette to receive the Shogun's envoys. The
Chancelor goads him into drawing his sword when the envoys are present, a crime
punishable by death. The young lord's vassals are ordered to break up his estate,
and his samurai to disband. To obey the Shogun, they must follow orders, but to
be loyal to their master and to elemental fairness, they must revenge him. The
conflict of obligations is the essential dilemma of Japanese society, which is
why this is their national epic.
The story is richly woven. Worth seeing just for the supremely
gorgeous art works, buildings and costumes of 18th century Japan. Often referred to as the "Gone with the Wind" of the Japanese
cinema, "Chushingura" is an unparalleled example of the true Samurai
spirit.
Featuring a who's-who of fine Japanese actors, including
Kurosawa regulars Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura.
1962 - Japanese with English subtitles - Color - Widescreen -
207 Minutes
