The Twilight Samurai

Set in the declining years of the Edo period, this poignant drama follows Seibei Iguchi, a low-ranking samurai who struggles to support his family after the death of his wife. Despite his modest circumstances, Seibei, portrayed by Hiroyuki Sanada, is a skilled swordsman who becomes embroiled in a conflict that tests his values and loyalty. The film, directed by Yôji Yamada, received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It offers a nuanced exploration of honor, duty, and personal sacrifice. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.