FIVE MEN OF EDO
(Oedo Gonin Otoko)

1951 - B&W - 133 min. REMASTERED Academy Standard (4:3)
 
Ripped from the pages of history, the heartbreaking story of Banzui-in Chobei, "Protector of the Weak" and Mizuno Jirozaemon, leader of the hatamoto (shogun's direct retainers) whose friendship leads to a bloody conclusion.

Starring: BANDO Tsumasaburo
ICHIKAWA Utaemon, OTOMO Ryutaro

Directed by: ITO Daisuke

During the 17th Century roving bands of hatamoto were causing trouble in the new capital city of Edo and constantly fought with the townspeople at every turn. The leader of these ruthless samurai was Mizuno Jirozaemon, who despite his high rank was in deep financial distress, thus leading to a tragedy that shook the very streets of the city. Opposing him was Banzui-in Chobei, the 'Protector of the Weak' who was willing to put his life on the line to save the 808 districts of Edo from the 80,000 hatamoto whose violent behavior threatened to destroy the fabric of society. Starring Bando Tsumasaburo, the first great star of the silver screen along with screen-legend Ichikawa Utaemon. Torn from the pages of history, this true story has been told many times, but never as powerfully as this!