Miyamoto Musashi

Takezo (Toshirō Mifune), a low-caste warrior, trains to become a mighty samurai warrior, while struggling to elevate himself in 17th century Japan. He assists a widow and her daughter, who are connected to local brigands, and is betrayed by his friend Matahachi (Rentarō Mikuni), who he believes has deserted him. Takezo escapes various traps and eventually meets Buddhist priest Takuan Sōhō, who captures him and forces him to study the ways of the samurai to earn his release.