Directed by Kazuo Mori • 1952 • Japan
Starring Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura

Scripted by Akira Kurosawa and directed by period specialist Kazuo Mori, this revisionist samurai tale stars the mighty Toshiro Mifune as legendary swordsman Mataemon Araki, who aids a young man in his quest to avenge the killing of a family member. Based on a famous incident in Japanese history, VENDETTA OF A SAMURAI plays intriguingly with the concept of truth as it sets out to separate reality from myth. Fellow Kurosawa regular Takashi Shimura costars alongside a supporting cast that includes several future SEVEN SAMURAI players.