On April 21st 1701, Yazama Jiutar , a young Japanese samurai is devastated when he and his fellow warriors are informed of the ritual suicide of their master in punishment for a severe offence. The warriors are now ronin - masterless and on the run - but they vow vengeance on the court official whom they blame, promising to return in force at the New Year, December 31st 1702. They know that their revenge, no matter how justified, will only lead to...