When Lord Murashige rises up against the tyrannical Oda, he finds himself besieged within the walls of his own castle. Isolated, he is confronted with a series of mysterious crimes that shatter the fragile order of his court, plunging the fortress into fear and suspicion. With Oda’s army closing in and a traitor hiding among his ranks, Murashige is forced into an uneasy alliance with Kanbei, a brilliant and dangerous strategist held prisoner in the dungeon, as he must outwit his enemies and uncover the truth before time runs out.

“A samurai picture that feels simultaneously classical and modern, austere and capacious, familiar and surprising… a superb 16th-century period piece.” –Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times Critic’s Pick

“Kurosawa has made one of his best films… a work that feels a bit like Agatha Christie, a bit like Shakespeare, and even a bit like Samurai Columbo.” — Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

“A masterwork in form and function, a spellbinding blend of genres that thrills from the opening shot to the inevitable conclusion.” — Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free

“Classical, if pared-back… a satisfyingly linked series of rousing whodunnits… and a moving exploration of true leadership.” — Jessica Kiang, Variety

“A delightful detour for the genre master.” — Rory Doherty, The A.V. Club