The Lady Shogun and Her Men

Set in the year 1716, this film portrays a Japan where men have become scarce due to a mysterious epidemic, reducing their population to a quarter of what it was. In this transformed society, women rise to prominence, while men are primarily valued for their reproductive capabilities. The story follows Unoshin Mizuno, a young man navigating the complex dynamics of the Ohoku, the inner chambers of the shogun's castle, as he seeks to marry his childhood sweetheart, Onobu.

As Unoshin competes with 3,000 other men for the attention of the female shogun, the film delves into themes of ambition and social status. The environment of the Ohoku is portrayed as competitive, with its inhabitants being both beautiful and cunning. The political backdrop is underscored by the transition of power from the 7th shogun Tokugawa to the new shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa, adding further intrigue to the plot.