Throne of Blood (1957)

Washizu, lord of Spider's Web Castle, tells his troops not to worry about being attacked by Noriyasu, Inui, the late lord's son and Miki's son (who are allies) because of the prophecy told to him by the spirit of the Spider's Web forest. The spirit's prophecy says that Washizu will not be defeated in battle until the trees in Spider's Web forest rise and go against Washizu. Washizu and his troops are very confident (believing such a thing to be impossible and ridiculous) until they notice the trees moving towards Spider's Web Castle. Washizu is killed by his own men and the movement of the trees is really Washizu's enemies using the trees as cover for their siege of the castle. The film ends just like it begins: a barren landscape with a post that says "Here lies Spider's Web Castle."

Neuman