A corrupt medieval emperor exploits his citizens and rules his kingdom with impunity. When the nobleman and mentor Bartok (Morgan Freeman) refuses to pay a bribe to one of the emperor's cronies, a death sentence is placed upon him. Bartok's loyal followers are lead by Raiden (Clive Owen), a highly skilled warrior who is deeply affected by Bartok's murder. Raiden and his clan band together to fight back against the oppressive emperor in this medieval action thriller.