Hidden Blade is set during the time of change of the mid-19th century Japan, when when European weaponry and military strategies are imported into Japan’s conservative, feudal society. Munezo Katagiri is an honest and low ranking samurai, whose adherence to his code of honor is tested by the forces around him. Secretly in love with his family’s maid, Kie, Munezo begins an uneasy courtship with her, knowing that a relationship is impossible because they come from separate castes. Raised to respect traditions from the past and the demanding moral code of the samurai, circumstances have now forced Munezo to look to the future. Required to master western military strategies, Munezo is ordered to find and kill Yaichiro, a former friend, samurai, and brilliant swordsman. He knows that he cannot beat Yaichiro with fire power alone, so he enlists the help of his old teacher, Kansai Toda, a master swordsman who entrusts Munezo with the secret and power of The Hidden Blade. – Tartan Films

Yôji Yamada graduated Tokyo University in 1954, the year he joined Shochiku as an assistant director. In 1969 he launched the popular “Tora-san” series, the world’s longest theatrical film series. In 2005 his film The Twilight Samurai marked his 77th film as well as his 41th year as a director since his first film in 1961, Nikai no Tanin (Stranger Upstairs).

Producer: Hiroshi Fukazawa Screenwriters: Yoshitaka Asama, Yôji Yamada Cinematographer: Mutsuo Naganuma Editor: Iwao Ishiich Music: Isao Tomita Cast: Masatoshi Nagase, Takako Matsu, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Yukiyoshi Ozawa, Tomoko Tabata, Reiko Takashima