Gonza the Spearman (1986)

Set in the deeply traditional and appearance-conscious Tokugawa era, "Gonza the Spearman" recounts the poignant saga of the charming Gonza, a man as notorious for his irresistible allure to women as he is for his adept spear-handling. As the narrative unfolds, Gonza finds himself embroiled in a fierce rivalry with Bannojo, each vying for the coveted honor of performing the tea ceremony to commemorate the birth of their clan lord's heir. As the stakes rise, Gonza makes a perilous promise - to wed the daughter of the family holding the sacred tea scrolls, a promise that plants seeds of betrayal as he is already unofficially betrothed to another. Amidst the passion and intrigue, Osai, the matriarch of the scroll-owning family, becomes Gonza's tutor in the art of tea ceremony. As the plot thickens, Bannajo seizes an opportunity to disgrace his rival. With stealth and cunning, he infiltrates Osai's home, stealing their obis and parading through the town, loudly declaring Gonza and Osai as adulterers. This dramatic turn of events sets the stage for what follows in this tragic tale of honor, love, and rivalry in the heart of ancient Japan.

Gonza the Spearman is a drama movie featuring Hiromi Go and directed by Masahiro Shinoda.

Gonza the Spearman is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.