Gokudo Chushingura

The Kyowakai, aiming for nationwide domination from Kansai. The Kurosaki-gumi, led by Asakawa (Kazuyoshi Ozawa), contributed greatly to their expansion into Kanto, but he became the target of relentless harassment from Wakagashira Kito. Unable to endure it any longer, Asakawa slashed Kito and was expelled, only to be assassinated soon after by an unknown hand. It is then that Sejima (Hakuryu), the Kurosaki-gumi’s Wakagashira, returns after serving his prison sentence. With the quiet flames of vengeance burning within him, he sets out on a path of retribution.

Directed by Shūji Kataoka, Gokudo Chushingura leans on a strong ensemble — Hakuryu, Yasukaze Motomiya, Kazuyoshi Ozawa — 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 screen titles of 2012.