Director Yoji Yamada
Written by Yoshitaka Asama and Yoji Yamada
Based on the novels Tasogare Seibei, Chikkou Shiatsu and Iwaibito Sukehachi by Shuhei Fujiwara

Although the title Twilight Samurai brings to mind an action film, it is actually a wonderful tale about the love between a man and woman, between a man and his family and even the love of life.

The story is set in northeastern Japan during the late 1860s at the end of the Edo period and the start of the Meiji Restoration. Seibei, a lowly samurai of the Unasaka clan, works as a clerk. His coworkers mock him because he goes home straight home after the workday is over. He has no time for carousing because of his responsibilities at home: a sick wife, an elderly mother and two young girls. His wife eventually dies of consumption and Seibei sells his samurai sword to help pay for the costs.

Seibei runs into childhood friend Iinuma and learns of the strife Iinuma's sister, Tomoe, a former childhood sweetheart, has gone through with her husband Toyotaro, who she has recently divorced. Seibei and Iinuma run into Toyotaro, who is angry about the divorce and wants satisfaction. Seibei accepts the challenge of a duel because Iinuma isn't as capable with a sword and he is still fond of Tomoe. The next morning Seibei shows up to the duel with a wooden stick since he no longer has his samurai sword. He dominates Toyotaro handily, eventually knocking him out cold. Word gets around about Seibei's fighting prowess and he is seen in a slightly different light.

Tomoe is thankful to Seibie for defending her honor and spends a lot of time at his house, becoming a surrogate mother by helping with the family and the chores. Iinuma suggests to Seibei that he and Tomoe should get married. Although Seibei would like nothing better, his first wife grew unhappy and resentful over the fact that she lowered herself class-wise to be with Seibei. Tomoe's family is of an even greater status, so Seibei is worried the same thing might happen. Seibei's love for Tomoe stops the relationship before it has a chance to develop any more.