A humble page fathers a child by the daughter of a clan official and is banished. Years later, the child, now a stable boy, is reunited with his father, but feudal codes threaten their happiness. Uchida’s poignant masterpiece condemns the inflexible class system and launches an indictment of values that favor symbolic objects over human life. The film’s focus is on character rather than swordplay, and charged performances - especially child actor Motoharu Ueki - add to the emotional power.
Kamui
2009
6.1/10
Shara
2003
6.4/10
Samurai Rebellion
1967
8.2/10
After the Rain
2000
7.3/10
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
1952
6.7/10
Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally
1989
6.3/10
Taboo
1999
6.5/10
Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
1955
7.1/10
Hands of Stone
2016
6.6/10
Blood and Bones
2004
6.6/10
Sky
2015
6.2/10
Rainy Dog
1997
6.7/10
Skin
2009
6.4/10
Penance
2013
7.3/10
Holy Lands
2019
6.1/10
Tigertail
2020
6.7/10
Farming
2018
6.2/10
The Safety of Objects
2002
6.4/10
7th & Union
2021
7.6/10
Zatoichi
2003
7.2/10
Incident at Blood Pass
1970
6.82/10
