The Story:
During the violent Heiji Rebellion of 1159 in 12th-century Japan loyal lady-in-waiting Kesa risks all by posing as the Emperor’s sister to divert rebels and is guarded through chaos by fierce samurai Moritō who falls obsessively in love with her courage and grace.
After loyal forces triumph Moritō claims Kesa as his reward only to learn she is already devotedly married to gentle imperial guard Watanabe no Wataru sparking his jealous threats and demand that she help slay her husband or face family slaughter.
In pitch-black tragedy Kesa sacrifices herself in her husband’s bed meeting Moritō’s blade so he awakens to horror and eternal penance passing through temple gates as a monk haunted by the gate of hell his passion unleashed.
