The movie starts by a samurai walking through woods and practising his skill (he makes a few steps and then cuts through air). I also remember that a lot of the story revolves around him living in a remote house that he finds on his way (wondering around) where he stays and helps out. If I remember correctly in the house lived a woman that would make him food all the time, and I think one older man that was a bit crazy and a few other people..
I think the movie was in color and it looked like it was more than 20-25 years old.