It is eighteenth century Japan and the residents of a poor town lead a typically meagre life. Then nine residents, which include Juzaburo, hatch a scheme to improve their lots by running a pawn and loan business with the proceeds being distributed among the townfolk. However, the plan is risky with such commerce and profiteering being frowned upon in a society with a caste system. Based on a novel by Isoda Michifumi, The Magnificient Nine features a cast of well-known Japanese cinema familiars.