Samurai Vendetta 1959

Raizo Ichikawa stars as Tange Tanzen, a highly skilled swordsman whose life takes a tumultuous turn after a fiery duel with members of a rival dojo. During this confrontation, Yasubei Nakayama (Shintarō Katsu) demonstrates his prowess by easily dispatching his opponents, but as a consequence of his actions, he is expelled from his school to prevent enmity between the factions. Similarly, Tange faces exclusion from his own school because he was present at the duel but chose not to intervene. He defends his inaction by stating that he was duty-bound by the shogunate, yet his colleagues condemn him for cowardice, leading to his expulsion.

The story deepens when Tange encounters Chiharu, a maiden affiliated with the Uesugi clan. In a brave act, Tange rescues her from a pack of feral dogs attacking her, killing one of the “noble” creatures in the process. Sadly, this act carries grave consequences because the current shogunate holds a strict policy against animals like dogs, and anyone involved in killing one faces the death penalty. To protect Tange, Yasubei helps cover up the incident, and through this act of loyalty, Yasubei (whose true name is later revealed to be Horibe Yasubei) begins to develop a deeper interest in Chiharu. His affections lead him to consider alliance with the Uesugi but change his plans upon learning of Tange’s budding relationship with her. Yasubei ultimately joins the Asano clan, a family famously connected to the legendary 47 Ronin, and becomes embroiled in their quest for vengeance against Chamberlain Kira.

As the story unfolds, Yasubei, now Horibe Yasubei, finds himself caught in a web of revenge, loyalty, and honor. While Tange and Chiharu grow closer, his love is tested by societal expectations and the tragedy that strikes them. During the Hinamatsuri festival, Chiharu is shown affection by a doll symbolizing Tange, who is away in Kyoto at the time. Her kidnapping and subsequent assault profoundly impact Tange’s sense of honor and duty. Bound by the samurai code, Tange faces a heartbreaking choice: he can either kill or divorce Chiharu for her dishonor. She pleads with him to kill her, but Tange, still in love, refuses to do so. Instead, he devises a clever plan, known as the “fox” tactic, to divorce her without forcing her to commit seppuku.

In a gesture of penitence and resolve, Tange allows Chiharu’s brother to cut off his right arm during their duel, asserting that this is the price he pays for his love and his mistakes. After disappearing into hiding, Tange reemerges as a one-armed swordsman, challenging anyone to face him in combat, hoping to identify and confront the men responsible for his plight. His efforts bear fruit when Yasubei and others seeking revenge recognize him.

Meanwhile, the 47 Ronin’s story converges with Yasubei and Chiharu’s paths. The Asano clan plans an attack on Kira during an upcoming tea ceremony, aiming to exact justice for their disgraced lord. Chiharu—who has also become independent from her family—knows the details of the plot and supports her friend Yasubei, who is now deeply involved in the revenge mission.

The climax sees Tange, wounded but determined, facing off against the remaining assailants trying to kill him. In a masterful display of swordsmanship, comparable to his renowned performances, he defends himself fiercely, aided by Chiharu, who rushes to his side but is shot in the process. Yasubei arrives just in time to assist, eliminating the attackers, but the cost is high: Tange sustains fatal injuries, and Chiharu succumbs to her gunshot wound before her final breath. Her last act is to reveal the date of the tea ceremony to Yasubei, signifying her unwavering loyalty and her rejection of her previous loyalties to the Uesugi.

The story concludes with the 47 Ronin’s daring attack on Kira’s residence, a triumphant yet tragic culmination of their unwavering dedication to justice and honor. The battle is intensified by earlier losses among their enemies, notably the death of 15 to 20 guards during Kira’s failed revenge attack on Tange. The sacrifice and bravery of all involved underscore the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the strict codes of conduct that define the samurai world depicted in this compelling tale.