Plot : Two Feudal Lords have a dispute inside the Shogun's Castle (drawing of swords is prohibited!). In response, one of these clans is immediately abolished and the head is ordered to commit suicide. The poor investigation and prompt response leaves the clan-less Samurai disappointed, and bow to seek revenge for their master's wrongful death against the other involved Clan head..

Review : Another reviewer said that it isn't for anyone that doesn't already know the story.. and I agree completely.

The story is hard to follow from the start, as the most important events happen off screen and the narrative builds from that! I felt the film demands too much piecing-together from the audience!! Thankfully, this popular story has been done too many times. And I can highly recommend the much better (1978) "The Fall of Ako Castle" (with Toshiro Mifune) for first time viewers. Sadly, I also found the pacing, structure and other important story-telling details to hinder my enjoyment.. even after I realized what I was watching.

Kon Ichikawa's adaptation of the extremely popular "Chushingura" is good, but probably not a great intro for western audiences. It very much assumes that the viewer is familiar with the story and starts it in flight with very little explanation. That reservation aside, it's a great adaptation that has many stylistic call backs to chanbara cinema of the 60's without feeling old fashioned.