The Hidden Blade

The Hidden Blade , Kakushi ken Oni no tsume? , literally Hidden Blade Onis Claw is a 2004 film, set in 1860s Japan, directed by Yoji Yamada. The plot revolves around several samurai during a time of change in the ruling and class structures of Japan. The film was written by Yamada with Yoshitaka Asama and, like its predecessor The Twilight Samurai, based on a short story by Shhei Fujisawa. The soundtrack is an original composition by Isao Tomita.

During dinner that evening, Katagiris mother reminds Samon of the financial hardships the family has endured since the death of her husband who committed ritual suicide after a construction job gone wrong. She desires a match between Samon and Shino Tomoko Tabata, Katagiris sister. Also present is Kie Takako Matsu, the Katagiris housekeeper, who is schooled in etiquette and literacy. In a voiceover, Katagiri hints at an affection for Kie, but then mentions that around the same time Shino married Samon, Kie married a man of the merchant class and left the Katagiri household.Three years go by during which Katagiris mother passes away. While walking through town, he sees Kie in a kimono shop where she assures him that she is well. Weeks later, however, Shino tells Katagiri that from the start of her marriage, Kie has been forced to perform all manner of duties to the point that she is little more than a slave to her new family. Concerned, Katagiri visits Mrs. Iseya Sachiko Mitsumoto, Kies motherinlaw, and finds her incoherent with illness. Outraged, he demands that Kies husband file divorce papers then carries her to his own house to recover. ........

Source: Wikipedia