Filmed using paper images cut out from a manga, and one of the last masterpieces directed by legendary filmmaker Kon Ichikawa, this film is an artistic rarity that needs to be seen at least once. Based on the true events set at the end of Edo Period in 1863, when Kyoto was the boiling hub of the revolutionary movement, a special police force named 'Shinsengumi' was created in order to maintain stability. Together, 29 year-old vice leader Isami Kondo and 28 year-old Toshizo Hijikata established a strict code, known as Kyokuchu Hatto, to enforce the internal order of the Shinsengumi. However, their samurai beliefs and ways were soon challenged by the upcoming reckless and unprincipled leader Kamo Serizawa. The story of Shinsegumi is one filled with harsh violence and the tragic deaths of ancient warriors caught between changing beliefs and times.

文久三年、江戸幕府が将軍上洛の警護のために武芸に優れた浪士を集めて警備隊を編成、その名を新撰組とし、その中心人物には多摩天然理心流の一門、近藤勇、土方歳三、沖田総司らがいた。ある日、近藤と土方は組の統制のために「局中法度」を作成する。ところが、それに最も背いていたのが局長の芹沢であったことから、彼らは芹沢を暗殺。かくして新撰組の実験は近藤が握ることとなった。三条小橋の宿屋・池田屋で、謀議中の尊譲派志士たちを襲撃した、いわゆる「池田屋事件」で新撰組は大きく名を上げるが、時代の流れは彼らを次第に過酷な運命へと追いやっていく。