is a 1990 Japanese epic jidaigeki film directed by Haruki Kadokawa, based on a novel by Chà Âgorà  Kaionji. The film stars Takaaki Enoki, Tsugawa Masahiko, Asano Atsuko, Zaizen Naomi and Nomura Hironobu. It was released on 23 June 1990, in Japan, and an English version was released in North America in 1991.
Ken Watanabe was originally cast in the role of Kenshin, but had to pull out after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Set in feudal Japan, the story begins as the daimyà  Kagetora (also known as Uesugi Kenshin) obtains power from the shogun to rule the province of Echigo. However, he must protect his lands and his people from the ambitions of the warlord Takeda Shingen, the daimyo of Kai Province who has just invaded and taken control of Shinano. From the beginning, the Takeda army appears to be stronger, but due to KagetoraâÂÂs tactics, he manages to win a few minor battles and kill Nobushige, ShingenâÂÂs brother, and Kansuke, one of ShingenâÂÂs trusted men.
After years of conflict, Takeda and Kagetora finally face each other in a duel. Kagetora injures Takeda, while his forces ultimately defeat Takeda's army at the Battle of Kawanakajima in October 1561.
Heaven and Earth was the most expensive Japanese production ever made at the time, with a budget of $40 million. The film was shot largely in Canada. It was in production for a year, and featured 1,000 horses and 3,000 extras.
The shooting in Canada took place just outside of Banff, Alberta, in an area known as Morley Flats.
In Japan, Heaven and Earth sold tickets prior to its release. The film opened on 23 June 1990 on 215 screens and grossed $8.4 million in its opening weekend, one of the largest openings ever in Japan at that time. It became the number-one Japanese film in the domestic market for 1990, earning ÃÂ¥5.05 billion in distributor rental income and in gross receipts. In the United States, the film grossed $307,775.