CRESCENT MOON
Screenplay Synopsis

In 1553 Japan, Johgen is the heir to the powerful, samurai, Crescent Moon Clan. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and a warrior's sword in his hand, Johgen has been bred to lead. After his father dies in glorious battle, Johgen is left to defend his family's castle against their old rival: Kagatora. Kagatora is equally brutal and ruthless, and perhaps more cunning than the young, brash Johgen.

Kagatora launches an all-out attack on Johgen's castle. Johgen is arrogant and believes he can overtake them. His Grandfather warns against confronting Kagatora outside of the castle, but this only fuels Johgen's ego. Sure enough, Johgen is ambushed by two more rival armies joined together by Kagatora. The battle rages on, but Johgen's army is doomed. By the end of the day, their castle and all of their lands have been taken with the swift and cunning brutality of Kagatora. Johgen has no choice but to run into the woods with a few trusted comrades.

Johgen and his small band of samurai decide they must flee to Anu province to seek the aid of Lord Gorruko; an old family ally. The problem is, they must cross Kagatora's new land to get there.

With the help of a local farmer, Johgen and his men set off along the Southern road to Anu posing as traveling peasants looking for work. The farmer begs the samurai to take his lovely young daughter to Anu province as a favor so that she may have a better life. Against his better judgment, Johgen agrees to take her.

On the road to Anu, Johgen and his men are humbled by the hardships they must endure as peasants. Although they want to fight back, they must endure until they make it to Anu province lest they be discovered by Kagatora's samurai combing the countryside for them. Along the way, a charming sprite of a Monk guides the hardened Johgen both in his outward and inward journey. The Monk helps them escape Kagatora's men from time to time as Johgen learns the lesson of compassion.

After nearly being discovered by Kagatora's men, Johgen and his men make it to Anu province. There, they convince their old ally, Lord Gorruko, to help them retake the Crescent Moon lands from Kagatora.

In a daring battle, Gorruko's army, led by Johgen, almost overtake Kagatora with a brilliant plan: Soldiers bring down a hundred pre-cut trees and drag them in Kagatora's path cutting off most of his army. Kagatora is defeated for the day. That night, their friend the Monk appears at Johgen's camp offering nothing but loyalty and friendship to Johgen. This inspires Johgen with an idea. He sends off several messengers to all of the local villages.

The next morning on the battlefield, Johgen demands Kagatora's unconditional surrender. Kagatora laughs at this until Johgen reveals his plan from the night before: Johgen produces the leaders of all of Kagatora's villages. He's convinced them to burn all of their food stores unless Kagatora surrenders the stolen Crescent Moon lands. Without the valuable food stores, Kagatora's army would crumble and die in a short time. Kagatora thinks he's bluffing and sends his army in for a full attack.

During the final battle, the village leaders race back to their homes in order to burn the storehouses. Kagatora's men chase them, but are thwarted by Johgen's expert archers and swordsmen.

Johgen finally draws Kagatora out for a personal sword fight where their hatred for each other will finally be resolved. The duel if fierce and close, but Johgen eventually wins by cutting off Kagatora's head. Losing their leader, Kagatora's armies are in disarray and quickly fall apart. Johgen and his men are victorious.

Johgen reclaims his family land and castle, but he decides to give up the violent samurai life and start over as a simple farmer. He gives his lands to Lord Gorruko and makes him promise to treat the farmers on his land with dignity and respect. They are granted a sizeable increase in payment. Johgen gives up his sword and leaves for his new life elsewhere on the isle of Japan.

Genre: Period/Action-Adventure
High Budget

by Josh Christofferson