Tenpo suiko-den: ohara yugaku

The film depicts the Great Tenpō famine, a significant event in Japanese history that caused widespread suffering and uprisings among farmers. As strict tax collection forces many from their land, the Tonegawa area becomes embroiled in conflict between Sukegoro, a powerful industrialist, and Shigezo, a rising yakuza leader. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of natural disasters, as successive floods exacerbate the plight of the rural populace.

At the center of the story is Yugaku Ohara, a ronin who arrives in Nabe Village with hopes of instigating agricultural reform. His efforts represent a glimmer of hope amidst the poverty and despair faced by the villagers. With a diverse cast including Mikijiro Hira, Ruriko Asaoka, and Shinobu Otake, the film offers a complex portrait of an era marked by hardship and resilience. Collectors interested in Japanese cinema from the 1970s will find this film a rich exploration of historical themes and societal challenges.