Kenji MISUMI's YOTSUYA KWAIDAN is presumed to be the first colored film version of the famous play. Deviating heavily from the original source, Fuji YAHIRO depicts cold blooded protagonist Iemon as a tragic hero. The "righteous revenge" for his ruthlessly murdered wife leads to the redemption of her evil spirit. The visionary finale is without a question the apex of this underrated masterpiece.