If Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is an anti-western, then Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s The Samurai and the Prisoner is the anti-samurai movie. Though Kiyoshi has the same last name as Akira Kurosawa, the late, legendary master of samurai films, Kiyoshi takes a very different approach to his storytelling and its presentation. With this latest entry, Kiyoshi deconstructs the mythos of samurai legends and presents a very realistic tale that critiques the over-romanticism of samurai culture and feudal Japan. It is a riveting, compelling film that is captivating from beginning to end.
In the year 1578, Lord Araki Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) of Settsu decides to rebel against warlord Oda Nobunaga, a ruthless and violent leader whose armies are attempting to conquer multiple provinces and their clans. Murashige makes some shaky alliances with other clan leaders from both Buddhist and Christian faiths who agree to combine their forces to protect their peoples. As several seasons pass, Lord Oda’s armies loom closer as betrayals and multiple murders occur within Lord Murashige’s castle. Throughout this very trying time, Murashige often consults with Oda’s military strategist Kuroda Kanbei (Masaki Suda), whom Murashige has held prisoner since the beginning of the year.
Though Kiyoshi Kurosawa takes a mostly understated, no-frills approach to his visuals here, it is the writing, his storytelling, and commentary on the reality of samurai culture and feudal Japan that take center stage. It is a historical piece that removes all shreds of romanticism here. It is a deliberately paced movie with slow-burning moments, but make no mistake, this is still a compelling film. The sets and costumes look gorgeous, and the score by Yoshihiro Hanno enhances the drama and tensions throughout the film.
I love the performances by the lead actors, particularly those of Masahiro Motoki, Masaki Suda, and Yuriko Yoshitaka (Murashige’s wife Chiyoho). Masahiro Motoki initially portrays Lord Murashige as a firmly assured and confident leader who troubles through the seasons, turning him into a man pained with failure and desperation. Masaki Suda may portray the prisoner Kuroda Kanbei, but he never loses his cool or his cunning, plotting his escape while reluctantly assisting his captor, who desperately needs his help.
The Samurai and the Prisoner is getting a limited theatrical release here in the U.S. It will open in Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and AFS Cinema today. It is a wonderful film I highly recommend.