Ghost Of Tsushima: 10 Samurai Films You NEED To Watch First

Anyone who knows Japanese cinema has heard of the name Toshiro Mifune or Tatsuya Nakadai at one point or another. The duo have starred in numerous films together from Sword of Doom to Yojimbo and High And Low. Under the sure hand of director Masaki Kobayashi, the two star in the forgotten masterpiece Samurai Rebellion.

The film plays out like a Shakespearean tragedy with tightly-sealed plotting and humane performances that give any modern day film a run for its money. The film focuses on Isaboru Sahara, a man who's squandered 20 years of his life serving as a vassal to the Aizu clan's lord without protest to the corruption within it, nor marriage he was forced into. Once again his clan's feudal lord and clergy pressure him to force his eldest son Yogoro to marry Ichi, the lord's concubine. This forced marriage quickly becomes a blessing as Yogoro and Ichi fall in love.

Shortly after, however, tragedy befalls the couple as the original heir of the clan dies and the lord asks Ichi to return and raise the child. Moved by his son's love, Isaburo protests against this request and the feudal lord's inhumane treatment of people. Isaburo is willing risk his entire clan's honor for free choice and justice.

Samurai Rebellion is an incredible film depicting the power an individual has in combating injustice, the fight against conformity in a hypocritical system, and showing how love is the greatest weapon in mobilizing rebellion.