The original title of the movie was supposed to be "Outlaw", but the Japanese censors and police banned the title, because the depiction of an outlaw as a hero was seen as a very dangerous suggestion. The title was later changed to "Serpent", describing how Bando Tsumasaburo wiggles when he fights back, and how even in death, a serpent still look terrifying. Confused, the censors allowed the title.