The movie is set in a Kendo club at university and has, as it's primary conflicts , the struggles between Kawaza and Kokubun, Kokubun and the world; there are two subplots involving a novice Kendo player and Kokubun; and a woman and Kokubun.

Kokubun represents Japans innocence, its virtue, its purity, its purpose (his name means "a part of the country). He is unknowingly engaged in a battle to be the leader of the kendo club with an equally talented rival, Kazawa, who lacks Kokubu's focus and self possession.

Kendo is the epitome of the traditional Japanese spirit; pay attention to how Western "things" are presented and juxtaposed to traditional values (I'm thinking of a gun, a café, and a dance scene) and compare how the characters are different in the city versus at the temple.

It's a subtle story. Kazawa is unable to discipline himself and Kokubun is unwilling to bend himself to the future or the "ways of the world". How will it play out? Watch it and see: it's a fine film where kendo is a metaphor and the story is chance to think on something more.

Frankly, I'm very surprised to see this movie has not been commented yet. So I guess I'll be the first. It is based on a story by Yukio Mishima, who knew a thing or two about being obsessed. The story revolves around a schoolboy who is a kendo genius (traditional Japanese sword fighting). Despite being very young he is asked to lead his school's kendo team as a captain in an upcoming championship. But for him, kendo is more then just a sport, it's a way of life, so he takes this responsibility very serious... too serious. Won't spoil the rest for you, but can guaranty that by the end of this classic you'll understand why phrases like "it's just a (game, sport, etc.)" make my blood boil...