Running Time: 131 Minutes
Starring: Makiya Yamaguchi, Norimasa Fuke, Yuno Sakura, Rantaro Mine
As opening text establishes, bloody wars rage daily while Kyoto's Edo period reaches an end. Intent on protecting the shogun from rival clans, devoted samurai Kosaka Shinzaemon (Makiya Yamaguchi) prepares to fight a ronin to the death, but the battle is interrupted when a flash of lightning hits the samurai. When he awakens, Shinzaemon discovers that he has been transported to the present day, where the duel location has become a film set for 'jidaigeki' TV shows and movies. Mistaken for an extra due to his samurai clothes and 'authentic' look, Shinzaemon finds himself thrust into the world of movie production where he plays roles as extras.
Writer/Director Junichi Yasuda delivers a fun idea with A Samurai in Time, as a man adapts to a new time-period by using his expertise to work in period pieces. The story has a sincere love for the craft, as captured with the people involved who give their all despite feeling the jidaigeki genre is dying. Appearing through this unfolding tale is Kazami (Norimasa Fuke), a well-renowned star who abandoned jidaigeki after it made him into a prominent actor.
In the lead role, Makiya Yamaguchi wonderfully counteracts any seriousness in the samurai with a comedic turn. The fish out of water elements are brought alive effortlessly, as he finds delight in experiencing luxuries that he could never have before, or his priceless reaction to watching a TV show for the first time. It leads him to getting acting roles with the help of Miss Yuko (Yuno Sakura,) a kindly assistant director who offers support throughout.
As the cast and crew believe he is a dedicated actor who stays in character, the samurai becomes popular among productions. Relationships are formed as he works hard in adapting to the different era, making for a touching work that is utterly endearing to behold. Yet, there remains a tragedy at the heart of Shinzaemon, as he must live knowing that he failed his mission to protect the shogunate. No matter what he does, the weight placed upon him by the past appears inescapable, which interestingly informs the finale as pent-up frustrations are brought alive through sheer craft.
There are interesting turns in the plot, with the different avenues holding viewers interest as it offers much fun. Yet, there remains an unfortunate feeling about how overlong this film is. There could be a tight 90-minute cut in this work, yet there feels little justification in the runtime exceeding 2-hours. Despite this, there is an interesting element which questions people who have their expected sense of duty taken away. Can a way be found to move forward without bloodshed, in favour of living life to the fullest? That question remains on the mind with A Samurai in Time, offering fun with its fish out of water premise.
A Samurai in Time made its European Premiere at Frightfest 2024
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