ICHIBAN PRESENTS: MASK OF THE MOON

(Tsukigata Hanpeita)

1961 - Color –89 Min. - Remastered Anamorphic Widescreen (16:9)

Starring: OKAWA Hashizo

                HIRA Mikijiro, SATOMI Kotaro

                YAMAGATA Isao, KONOE Jushiro

Screenplay by: ITO Daisuke

Directed by: MAKINO Masahiro

 COURTESY OF ICHIBAN

A young Choshu clan swordsman, Tsukigata Hanpeita, longs for the day when rival clans cease their struggles for power and put an end to meaningless feudal wars. When he is appointed to oversee the Choshu clan, he takes it upon himself to work towards the peace that he has dreamed about.  With his affectionate personality and compassion for life, Hanpeita's popularity grows among the people, making him a threat to those thirsty for conflict and power. A betrayal by those closest to him leaves Hanpeita caught in a trap that could ultimately cost him his life. Like Sakamoto Ryoma, the fictional Tsukigata Hanpeita was a man who had a vision of the future that eventually would come to pass. This is one of Okawa Hashizo's finest dramatic performances highlighted by plenty of exciting swordplay.