Zankuro is a television show about a gokenin, or lower-ranking Tokugawa retainer, named Matsudaira Zankuro. Although he has the Matsudaira surname and is related to the shogun's family, he has to support his mother and his household and meet his social obligations on a minimal stipend, which is essentially impossible. He basically lives like a ronin, hiring himself out for various duties, including those that might be considered inappropriate for a samurai. He doesn't even sport the chonmage hairstyle. This show provides a rare, in-depth look at the life of the gokenin and does not follow the typical jidaigeki format. The show is very funny and displays the full range of Ken Watanabe's acting chops. Zankuro is a nice departure from the standard jidaigeki fare.
