Mifune is this time the leader of a village that is not backing down from a good fight. They have their own Militia/army that keeps them safe from robbers and even local lords that could get the thought of taxing them.
There is a nice range of rural pictures in black and white. The movie is very average in the camera work I would say. I can say it was by no means the best quality the copy I have seen but far from bad either.
Acting: I would say I have seen better work of Mifune than in this movie but overall everyone does a good or at least decent job.
Story: A bit unusual angle of seeing the Japanese feudal system in this movie. The story is fine but neither that nor the characters in the story will really make you think this is a gem. There are truly good and great passages in the movie but nothing reaching for the skies in total.
Recommendation: If you like black and white movies and especially Japanese movies then I would recommend it. it has a good entertainment value but I do not think it is a movie you should spend years searching for.