Yaichiemon Abe
“Widely acclaimed as the first full-scale historical film epic in Japan, Kumagai’s adaptation of Ogai Mori’s celebrated novel is an indictment of the bushido tradition of saving face through harakiri. The 19 vassals of Lord Hosokawa ask permission to commit harakiri with him, as a demonstration of their loyalty. Only Yaichiemon Abe is refused permission, forced instead into the vassalage of his lord’s successor. Humiliated and derided, Yaichiemon eventually commits harakiri without permission. His eldest son is then punished for Yaichiemon’s suicide, and when he resists, is sentenced to death. The entire Abe clan rebels upon the son’s execution, and the clan is annihilated.” --Alan Poul, Japan Society
Unno, a masterless samurai, has been supported financially since his father's death by his wife, who makes small paper balloons. He hopes that Mouri, his father's former master, will hire him after being given a letter from Unno's father. Unno's neighbor, Shinza, a hairdresser by trade, is under constant threat by gang members after running gambling dens on their territory.
História de um rei bandido.
A tragic period film about a gangster who comes out of prison and finds it hard to find a place again in society.
