Sword of Desperation

Swordsman Kanemi Sanzaemon stabs and kills the Lady Renko , mistress to the Lord Tabu Ukyou. This crime is normally punishable by beheading, yet Sanzaemon is spared. Instead, he is imprisoned in isolation for a year, during which time we learn of the corruption of Renko, and the growing rift that is forming between the Lord and his cousin Hayatonosho Obiya. When Sanzaemon is released and promoted to chief attendant, things really start to get complicated. (japanesefilmfestival.blogspot.com)