Gate of Hell, also known as Jigokumon in Japanese, is a 1953 Japanese film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. The film is set in the Heian period of Japan and tells the story of a samurai named Moritoh who becomes a hero during a rebellion and is granted any reward he desires by the emperor. Moritoh asks for the hand of the beautiful Lady Kesa, despite knowing that she is already married to another samurai named Wataru.
When Moritoh sees Kesa for the first time, he becomes obsessed with her and starts to pursue her relentlessly. However, Kesa is loyal to her husband and rebuffs Moritoh's advances. Moritoh, determined to win Kesa's affection, uses every means at his disposal, including risking his life to protect her during the rebellion. When Kesa still refuses him, Moritoh becomes angry and violent, threatening to harm her and her husband.
The situation becomes complicated when Wataru returns from a battle and is suspicious of Moritoh's intentions towards Kesa. Moritoh sees an opportunity to frame Wataru for treason and tries to convince the emperor to execute him, hoping that Kesa will be forced to marry him after her husband's death. However, Kesa and Wataru manage to escape and seek refuge in a temple.
Moritoh follows them and attacks the temple, leading to a dramatic confrontation between the three characters. In the end, Moritoh realizes that his obsession with Kesa has led him to act dishonorably and he decides to take his own life, asking Kesa for forgiveness before he dies. The film ends with Kesa and Wataru reunited and leaving the temple together.
Gate of Hell was a critical and commercial success upon its release, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival and becoming the first Japanese film to be released in color. The film is praised for its stunning visuals and complex portrayal of the main characters, as well as its exploration of themes such as obsession, loyalty, and honor.