The 47 Ronin: Part Two

Known as the film in which Mizoguchi, declaring that he would "not film spectacle," famously omitted the climactic raid on Kira's mansion—even after completing the elaborate set for said location. The controlled performances and precise movements of the Zenshinza theater troupe actors bring to the fore both the governing principles of the samurai class and the inner conflicts of the Ako ronin. Following the absorption of Koa Eiga into Shochiku as Japan's film industry was consolidated under the wartime system, the production of this second part was taken over by Shochiku.