The iconic Japanese filmmaker, Takeshi Kitano, returns with a signature and extremely violent samurai story of betrayal and revenge. Almost three decades in the making, it brings a fresh perspective to an almost forgotten genre.
Set in the 16th century, as rival warlords battled to control Japan. Lord Oda Nobunaga, intent on controlling Japan, is waging war against several clans when one of his vassals, Araki Murashige stages a rebellion and promptly disappears. Nobunaga assembles his other vassals including Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi, and orders them to capture the fugitive Murashige, warning "I'll choose whoever works hardest as my successor." With various thoughts, schemes, and traps they carry out, they're soon brought to a crossroads in a complicated situation. All roads lead to Honno-ji temple, where fate awaits them all.
"With regard to the uprising, there are many different theories about what actually happened. I really looked into it and then I used my imagination and came up with a theory. Of course, an academic watching it might say it's not true. But I think most of what I have portrayed is what actually happened." (Takeshi Kitano)