1964 • Japan • Directed by Eiichi Kudō

The second film in his thematic trilogy, The Great Killing sees Eiichi Kudo refine his visual style and amplify the political dimension of his filmmaking, using the medium of jidaigeki to react to the suppression of the Anpo protests that gripped Japan in the 1960s.

Set in 1678 during the reign of the fourth Shogun Ietsuna Tokugawa, The Great Killing tells of the unscrupulous Minister Sakai (Ryutaro Otomo, Yakuza Law)’s reign of terror as he orders his samurai to hunt down and kill anyone he suspects of conspiring against him. When his wife Kayo is killed in one of the ensuing raids, the disillusioned samurai Jinbo (Kotaro Satomi, Red Peony Gambler: Here Comes Oryu) joins a group of rebels let by the stalwart Miya (Nami Munakata, Abashiri Prison) determined to put an end to Sakai’s machinations. As Sakai further stretches his influence with the help of his ruthless crony Chief Inspector Hojo (Minoru Oki, Shogun Assassin), the rebels must infiltrate the upper echelons of power and pick their moment to strike, even as they realise their mission will surely lead to their demise.

With stunning expressionistic cinematography by Osamu Furuya (Academy Award nominee for Tora! Tora! Tora!), and an ensemble cast also featuring cult actor Toru Abe (Tokyo Story), The Great Killing deftly blends political intrigue with interpersonal drama, culminating in one of the most intense battle scenes of its day.