In 16th century Japan, a young man has to choose between becoming a master steel maker like his father and grandfather before him, or becoming a samurai so that he can help protect his village from attacks by the various clans which want the high-quality steel made there.
Cinematography
Stunning Tatara furnace sequences shot like sacred ritual.
Practical Effects
Authentic steel-forging process, no CGI fire here.
Acting
Naoki Kobayashi's stoic restraint carries the film's weight.
Director
Yoshinari Nishikôri
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
JP
