Directed by one of Japan’s eminent directors, Kenji Mizoguchi, The film is set in the 12th century when samurai ceased to be just hired fighters and took over as the dominant class in Japanese society. Only available on UK video at the moment.

Special Forces commander Captain Tadamori returns to Kyoto after successfully defeating the uprising of pirates in the western sea of Japan. But because the high courtiers dislike career soldiers gaining power and influence, they ignore the will of ex-Emperor Toba and refuse to reward the captain. Reward recommender Lord Tokinobu is punished, and the captain sends his son Kiyomori to the Lord’s residence, where he falls in love with Tokiko, the Lord’s daughter. Meanwhile, Kiyomori finds out that he is possibly the ex-Emperor’s son…