Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki
Written by Hiroshi Inagaki and Tokuhei Wakao
IMDB

Takezo and his best friend Matahachi join the army, when their side loses they seek refuge in the widow Oko's home. Oko seduces Matachachi. Takezo is wanted. He returns to his village, but Matachachi's mother sets a trap for him with the help of Matachachi's wife, Otsu. Takezo escapes but is captured by a monk and Otsu. The monk hangs him in tree, but Otsu rescues him. They fall in love. He then is captured by the monk again and is forced to learn the samurai code.
I enjoyed this film, and probably would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn't just watched Yojimbo and Sanjuro. This is not the masterpiece that those are, but it is still extremely good. I was sort of confused because of the write up on the Netflix DVD sleeve, at times thinking I was watching the wrong movie. Oh well, it was still good and moved at a good pace. Definitely worth a watch.

8/10