Munezo (Masatoshi Nagase) is a Samurai who has been in love with a household maid named Kie (Takako Matsu) although he might not even be fully aware of those feelings. Just as he is coming to grips with his emotions, she is married to a man in her own class, as was customary during this historical period. However, the family she joins turns out to be quite abusive, so Munezo brings her back to his home to continue serving as his maid.
Meanwhile, one of Munezo's fellow swordsmanship students - one who is even more skilled than Munezo himself - has escaped from prison. Although Munezo had been close friends with the man, he has no choice but to accept the assignment to kill the young man when his clan orders him to do so.
The film is set amidst the final days of Shoguns and Samurais in the mid-19th century. The story shows how the impending changes that were about to spread throughout the country would affect a small portion of Japanese society. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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