Samurai Rebellion [VHS]
This samurai classic, set in 18th-century Japan, combines great acting and thrilling action with thoughtful writing and direction.  The magnificent Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai,The Samurai Trilogy) stars as Isaburo, a renowned swordsman who is the essence of samurai loyalty until his overlord demands the return of a former mistress, Isaburo's beloved daughter-in-law.  The injustice to his family forces Isaburo to take a heroic stand for individual freedom and moves him toward a revolt he can never win.  Written by Shinobu Hashimoto (Rashomon) and directed by Masaki Kobayashi (Harakiri,Kwaidan),Samurai Rebellionis "a clear departure from the norm...a compelling legend stressing one man's opposition to tyranny in an age when such opposition was unthinkable" (The New York Times).  The bloody climax rages with power and emotion.