The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail (1952)

In the aftermath of a fierce maritime clash in the Pacific waters during 1185, Yoshitsune Minamoto claims victory over the rival Heike family, who prefer to embrace death rather than live in defeat. As Yoshitsune, triumphant yet weary, returns to Kyoto, his brother and reigning Shogun, Yoritomo, falls prey to manipulative whispers. Consequently, he dispatches his forces to capture Yoshitsune, who, foreseeing the danger, makes a daring escape. Guided by the insightful Benkei, Yoshitsune and his six valiant samurais embark on a hazardous journey towards the lands of Idehira Fukiwara, Yoshitsune's sole ally. Their path, fraught with peril, leads them through dense forests, where they adopt the guise of monks, keeping their true identities hidden. However, the jovial porter Suruga, privy to their secret, warns them about the looming threat of Kagiwara and his men, stationed at the border, ready to apprehend them. Their survival now hinges on an audacious ruse; Yoshitsune morphs into a humble porter and entrusts Benkei with the task of convincing Kagiwara that they are simple monks, seeking alms for the construction of a grand temple in Kyoto. This thrilling tale of cunning, courage, and loyalty, The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail, unfolds as they inch closer to the border, their destiny hanging in the balance.

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail is an adventure movie featuring Denjirō Ōkōchi and directed by Akira Kurosawa.

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Fandor Amazon Channel.