In the heart of Edo, an ambitious young doctor is sent to work at a charity hospital, where he is faced with a world completely different from what he had imagined. There, surrounded by poverty and suffering, he is under the tutelage of a strange yet wise doctor known by his nickname, a man with a peculiar appearance and a red beard. This doctor, instead of following the strict protocols of the profession, adopts a humanistic approach, attending to patients not only with his medical skills but also with compassion and understanding.
As the young man learns from his mentor, he is confronted with the harsh reality of social inequality and the limitations of medicine in an environment where resources are scarce. Through the relationship between the two, the young doctor begins to question his own beliefs about success and medical ethics. Throughout the story, several patient cases are presented that represent different facets of life and death, deepening the doctor's dilemma about how to balance science with empathy.
The film is not only an exploration of medicine but also an emotional journey about personal growth, redemption, and the meaning of true compassion. With stunning performances and masterful direction, this masterpiece of Japanese cinema invites reflection on the role of the doctor in society and the human connections that define us.