EPIC CHUSHINGURA - 1971 TV Drama Volume 5-6
Episode 9: The Great Discussion
Episode 10: The Covered-up Petition
Episode 11: Records Of An Oath Sealed In Blood
Episode 12: The Day Of Ako Castle's Confiscation
Starring: MIFUNE Toshiro
Directed by: DOI Michiyoshi
Episode 9: THE GREAT DISCUSSION
Oishi Kuranosuke calls the clan's retainers to gather for a meeting in the great hall to discuss whether to fight for the castle and die a spendid death, or hand it over peacefully, and commit hara-kiri en masse at the front gate as soon as the shogun's representative takes possession.
There are factional disputes within ranks of the Ako clan between the hot-headed Fujii Hikojiro leader of the gunnery squad and Councilor Ono Kurobe, who distrusts Oishi's motives. Putting aside the hara-kiri, Oishi sends a petition to the Edo to protest the unfair decision and seeking an order for Kira to slit his belly as well.
Episode 10: THE COVERED-UP PETITION
As the petition arrives in Edo it sets off a chain reaction that includes an attempt on the life of Horibe Yasubei, who has joined with other radical clan members seeking to mount
a raid on Kira's mansion and take revenge. Ironically, the special inspectors have already left the capital and are on their way to Ako, so the messengers need to try and catch up
with them. The late Lord Asano's brother Daigaku is afraid that the petition will interfere with his plans and the Uesugi clan's chief councilor wants to see exactly what Oishi wrote.
so that he can protect his clan, even if it is at the expense of Kira's son. But first he must pass the test put on him by fencing master Yagyu Toshikata.
Episode 11: RECORDS OF AN OATH SEALED IN BLOOD
Fearing resistance, the shogunate ordered neighboring clans to deploy forces at the Ako domain's borders where they are ready to attack at the merest sign of resistance. Oishi makes an unusual request of his clan's troops who guard the borders which lead secret agents sent by Uesugi clan's Chief Councilor Chisaka Hyobu attempt to create an incident at the border to cause all-out war.
To further his decision of hara-kiri to follow their lord in death, an act that has been outlawed by the shogunate, Oishi has the vassals sign in blood an oath giving their lives to him. Hoping to get gunnery leader Fujii to break ranks, the female spy Oran plants the seed of rebellion within his mind. A move that will change the destiny of a once proud family leading to the ultimate disgrace.
Episode 12: THE DAY OF AKO CASTLE'S CONFISCATION
As the takeover of Ako Castle nears, a sinister plot is hatched that would not only destroy any chance for restoral of the clan, but it puts the 150,000 koku Uesugi clan in jeopardy as well.
The tension mounts from all sides while Lord Wakisaka, who was the only person in Edo Castle that supported Lord Asano is assigned the terrible task of receiving the castle, where he may have to unleash his forces on any resistors, and annihilate the remaining members of Ako clan.
Oishi Kuranosuke must find a way to make the handing over go smoothly, while dealing with those who want to die gloriously in battle and thus ruin his hidden plans. He does get to meet for the first time, Horibe Yasubei, the master swordsman famous for the "Duel at Takadanobaba."
Then it is time for the 64 vassals who sealed the oath in blood to don their white hara-kiri garb and gather at the castle. Then the truth comes out.
Remastered Print
1971 Color Fullscreen 186 Mins. 4 Episodes 2 Disc Set
Japanese with English subtitles
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