Michiko Saga
1935 - 1992
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
Hiroshi Inagaki
Toshirō Mifune, Koji Tsuruta
A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
The Mad Fox
Tomu Uchida
Hashizo Okawa, Michiko Saga
A court fortune-teller loses his mind after a conspiracy leads to the death of his lover. Hope appears to be on the horizon after he becomes romantically involved with his dead lover’s twin sister, but more complications arise thanks to a chance encounter with a clan of shape-shifters.
The Mad Fox
悪名市場
Kazuo Mori
Shintarō Katsu, Jirō Tamiya
The Akumyō (悪名, "bad name") series consists of seventeen yakuza films starring Shintaro Katsu, produced between 1960 and 1974. A remake and a direct-to-video sequel starring Kōji Matoba were produced in 2001.
Bad Reputation: Imposter's Paradise
丹下左膳
Seiichirô Uchikawa
Tetsurō Tamba, Haruko Wanibuchi
In 1730, the Tokugawa Shogunate orders the Yagyu Clan to repair a huge shrine. Since it cannot refuse the Shogunate's request, the impoverished Yagyu Clan tries to raise funds by obtaining a sword which holds the key to a wondrous, hidden treasure. After learning the sword's secret, Tange Sazen sides with the Yagyu Clan, but his motive seems to be more than just pure interest in the treasure...
Tange Sazen
敵は本能寺にあり
Tatsuo Ôsone
Hakuō Matsumoto, Takahiro Tamura
The plot is based on the novel "Akechi Samanosuke no Koi," the final work in a trilogy by Hiroshi Kato about the forced suicide of Oda Nobunaga at the temple Honnoji. Historically, the general Akechi Mitsuhide is credited with causing Nobunaga's downfall. Kato's novel focuses on Mitsuhide's nephew Samanosuke, who fought alongside his uncle during the assault on Honnoji.
Honno-Ji in Flames
