Revisionist samurai film. Not as good as director Yoji Yamada's other samurai films, The Hidden Blade and Twilight Samurai, but beautifully crafted and with some very sensitively done acting.

Japanese drama about a a samurai who loses his sight as a result of a poisoning while employed as a food taster for his Lord. He and his wife struggle to cope financially and emotionally with the loss while maintaining some semblance of honor. There is the obligatory sword duel, but don't expect Zatoichi like swordplay - this one is all about the well written and acted story. Low key but very enjoyable.