Serving as parts of a 4-part series, the first and second installments are representative films of Masahiro Makino, the son of Shozo Makino (considered the 'father of Japanese film').
The Story 2 consists of two parts - the "first chapter" (第一篇 (Dai-ippen)) and "the solution" (解決篇 (Kaiketsuhen)).
These films lent status to ensemble casts and did not rely on famous stars.
The film was known for its depiction of the unique setting of the ronin town as well as for the exquisite camera work and fast-paced sword fighting scenes.
The shortened version of the film of Story 2 exists.