The 47 Ronin (1941)

In the austere world of 1701 Japan, a potent clash of honor and corruption unfolds within the corridors of the Shogun's palace. Lord Takuminokami Asano, a man of unswerving integrity, finds himself entangled in a feud with the devious Lord Kira. As the tensions escalate, Lord Asano attempts to assassinate Kira, setting in motion a series of events that shake the very foundations of the samurai code. The Shogun, the ultimate arbiter, sentences Lord Asano to commit seppuku—a noble yet tragic end. This harsh decree leaves Asano's palace barren, his lands confiscated, and his loyal vassals masterless. Stripped of their status, the samurais morph into ronin, their lives defined by the poignant dishonor of their fallen Lord. Yet, the flame of retribution burns bright in their hearts, fueled by the injustices their Lord faced and the sheer indifference shown towards Lord Kira's transgressions. At the helm of this band of ronin is Kuranosuke Oishi, an embodiment of loyalty and resilience. He pleads with the Shogun to restore the Asano clan's honor by appointing Asano's brother, Daigaku, as the rightful heir. But when his entreaties fall on deaf ears a year later, Oishi realizes that the path of justice is not within the Shogun's gilded palace but within the hearts of the 46 ronin, united by a shared disgrace and a common enemy. The 47 Ronin is a tale of honor, revenge, and a loyalty that transcends life itself. This historical drama invites you to witness a courageous saga of masterless samurais who dared to challenge the might of the Shogun's court, driven by the power of their unwavering loyalty and the burning desire to avenge their dishonored Lord.

The 47 Ronin is a drama movie featuring Yoshizaburo Arashi and directed by Kenji Mizoguchi.

The 47 Ronin is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Criterion Channel, Fandor Amazon Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.