Kon Ichikawa's 47 Ronin

In the names of vengeance, they gave their lives...and became immortal.

The tale of the 47 Ronin (Chushingura) is the classic true story of samurai honor. In the year 1701, a young clan lord is forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) after being provoked into striking a court official. His loyal followers, now "ronin" (masterless samurai), dedicate their lives to avenging him. After spending a year patiently planning their vengeance, and waiting for their target to relax his guard, they launch a furious assault on his heavily defended estate, knowing full well the penalty for failure will be the same as the reward for success - they will join their master in death!

The true story is so beloved in Japan that it has been the subject of over 80 films, as well as many books, graphic novels and TV series. Now master director Kon Ichikawa presents his own unique version of this timeless epic of loyalty, honor, and vengeance, and gives a compelling vision of what it truly means to be a Samurai.