Kiru stars Raizo Ichikawa. He made 27 movies in his short life before he died of cancer at age 37. Kiru was made in 1962. The tale is about revenge that takes place near the end of the Tokugawa Era. It starts with a murder and and execution, and our hero, Takakura Shingo, and the viewer are not made aware of the story behind it for awhile.
His story starts 20 years later. He has grown up in a loving samurai family. He has lost his mother, but is close to his sister and father. He goes away for 3 years to see the world and when he comes back he has become a master swordsman of his own technique. This enrages a jealous neighbor who starts some rumors and ultimately murders Takakura's family. Takakura takes revenge then leads the life of a ronin. Along the way he is influenced by a woman who sacrifices herself for her family, a monk who holds some secrets to his past, and a master who trusts him with his life. The climax is ultimately thrilling and so classic samurai.
Ichikawa made his fame in 12 episodes of The Sleepy Eyes of Death, starring the half-Japanese master swordsman, Kyoshiro Nemuri.
I will rate this one 3.5/5 acorns. I wish it were longer!
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