Akira Kurosawa's lauded epic presents the tale of a burglar who is recruited to impersonate a aging warlord, Shingen, in order to prevent attacks by rival clans. His generals agree to have the impostor simply take over as the highly effective ruler, when Shingen expires. He soon begins to appreciate life if he needs to lead his troops into battle against the forces of a warlord, but his commitment to the role would be tested.