In order to best milk the tumultuous socio-political fallout of the Bakumatsu Era, a wily grifter racks up a large debt at a busy brothel, allowing him to procure a lowly situation within it, and in so doing put himself in the perfect position for which to ply his trade. However, despite quickly raking in the money, it is not long before he is forced to plan his exit strategy, as there is only so much duplicity and underhandedness from which one group of people can stay oblivious. Expressive mise en scène, gorgeous photography, good ensemble work, and an excellent central performance combine to hugely entertaining effect.
