(Daichushingura)

1971 - color - 93 min.  REMASTERED Academy Standard (4:3)

Episode 3: Noble Samurai Spirit
Episode 4: Unbearable Days

Starring: MIFUNE Toshiro                                  

Directed by: MURAYAMA Mitsuo

Episodes 3-4 show the trials and tribulations that Lord Asano and the Ako clan must endure as Lord Kira unleashes his anger and frustration on the young daimyo who has no idea why the highly ranked elder seems to favor Lord Date at Asano's expense.  Meanwhile former clan member Fuwa Kazuemon keeps up the investigation that Oishi Kuranosuke sent him on to find out who is behind the attempt to steal the clan's secret method of salt preparation.  At the same time in Edo the lord himself is suffering from Kira's abuse, and hopes to avoid making a serious blunder in preparations for the visit by the emperor's messengers.