Based on a tale told (and filmed) numerous times, this brilliant, slow-building, three-hour samurai epic tracks the efforts of 47 loyal ronin to seek vengeance against an arrogant adversary. Weaving multiple storylines into a sprawling tapestry of dramatic adventure and sly political critique, Inagaki creates something closer in spirit to an absorbing melodrama than your standard swordfest. Still, the final battle scene in Kira's palace is stunning to behold. Keep an eye out, too, for Kurosawa regular Toshiro Mifune, as a masterless (or "freelance") samurai-for-hire.