The Sequel to Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple, and one-third film adaptation of Eiji Yoshikawa's Musashi, in addition to being the last of the Miyamoto Musashi Samurai trilogy.
Miyamoto Musashi (Toshiro Mifune) continues to advance his legend. Having won a victory over the legendary Yoshioka school, Musashi has come to the attention of perhaps the greatest swordsman in all the land: Sasaki Kojiro. Challenged to a duel by Kojiro, Musashi agrees to face him in a year's time. Settling his affairs, the two samurai meet for their famed battle on Ganryu Island.
This film contains examples of:
- Antagonist in Mourning: After the death of Kojiro, Musashi truly grieves him, considering him the finest swordsman he has ever face, and likely ever will.
- Combat Pragmatist: Musashi uses everything to his advantage that he can. Against Kojiro, he makes certain to put the sun at his back so Kojiro's vision is affected.
- Earn Your Happy Ending: Musashi finally realizes there's more to life than just the sword and accepts the love of Ots. But not before he has the duel to make him a legend.
- Foregone C Onclusion: Who doesn't know the outcome of the duel? It's a given that just as in history, Kojiro will fall to Musashi.
- Older and Wiser: Musashi has grown as a man immensely. No longer the scrappy ruffian Takezo, he is now a mature and seasoned swordsman.
- Single-Stroke Battle: Musashi and Kojiro end their duel by charging and striking. Musashi swings, leaps nimbly back from Kojiro's blow, the two straighten with Musashi having a light cut to his head. Then Kojiro sways, staggers and falls with his skull crushed by Musashi's wooden sword.
- You Are Already Dead: Musashi's look says it all. Even Kojiro smiles in seeming appreciation at the irony before he takes a few staggering steps and drops.
