AllMovie

An illegal duel leads to tragic results for an impoverished samurai in this Japanese classic from director Tadashi Imai (Story of a Pure Love) and screenwriter Shinobu Hashimoto (The Sword of Doom). When tensions erupt between angry commoner Shinpachi (Kinnosuke Nakamura) and decorated officer Magodayu, the two samurai engage in a bloody duel to the death. When the swords have ceased swinging, Shinpachi is the last man standing. In order for the samurai families to maintain their honor, Shinpachi and Magodayu are both declared insane, and Shinpachi is sent into exile. Later, Magodayu's younger brother seeks to avenge the death of his dignified sibling, leading to a high profile duel with Shinpachi that will shatter the honor and integrity of the samurai code.