Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island (1956)

A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.

Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, History

What to watch after Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

• Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior (1980) — Same subject: samurai, jidaigeki
• Throne of Blood (1957) — Takashi Shimura and Toshirō Mifune appear in both
• The Hidden Fortress (1958) — Same subject: jidaigeki
• Sanjuro (1962) — Same subject: samurai, jidaigeki
• The Sword of Doom (1966) — Toshirō Mifune appears in both
• Sanshiro Sugata (1943) — Same feel: dramatic, serious