
While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Both are devastated when they learn that Kichi has died, but his wife soon begins an affair with a neighbor who survived the war, Hachi. The mother disapproves and, when she can't steal Hachi for herself, tries to scare her daughter-in-law with a mysterious mask from a dead samurai.
Directed by Kaneto Shindō, Onibaba leans on a strong ensemble — Nobuko Otowa, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Kei Satō — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 1964.
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Jubei is a masterless ninja who travels the land alone, lending his services to those with gold—or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways—and possibly his life.
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