the men who tread on the tiger's tails (1945)

Aka Tora no o o fumu otoko-tachi
"It was an unforgivable inpiety..."
In the 12th Century Lord Yoshitsune Minamoto returns to Kyoto after winning a decisive sea battle. Unfortunately his jealous brother orders his arrest and, Yoshitsune and six of his loyal samurai retainers are forced to escape. To reach safety they need to travel incognito as Monks, with the Lord disguised as alowly porter, and attempt to pass through an enemy check point at the border.
Made in 1945 this painful allegory on Japan's condition at the end of World War Two was held back until 1952 before being released. Although short this is none the less a fascinating look at the laws and mores of feudal Japan.