"A Samurai in Time" (2024)

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s the Japanese blockbuster A Samurai in Time by writer/director/cinematographer/editor/visual effects artist/producer Junichi Yasuda.

Synopsis

A samurai (Makiya Yamaguchi as Kosaka Shinzaemon) who gets hit by lightning wakes up to find himself on a film set in the present day and starts to work as an extra on samurai films.

The Good

Joseph: As I mentioned in my Bushido review last week, I absolutely love A Samurai in Time. Like the film One Cut of the Dead, it’s a Japanese indie film that rightfully won the hearts of many viewers and became a box office hit. I hope that its international release also finds the wide audience that this charming, delightful film deserves.

Yasuda does a marvelous job taking fish out of water/stranger in a strange land (or in this case, time period) science fiction elements and juxtaposing “the old ways” with modern Japanese life. I am particularly impressed that he avoided the time travel trope of the protagonist trying to convince disbelieving people that he is actually from another era. Instead, Shinzaemon keeps that information to himself while trying to live his new life as best he can while subscribing to the same value system he upheld during the Edo period. The screenplay deftly blends humorous situations with touching drama — a scene involving a simple piece of cake from a bakery being available to virtually everyone rather than only elite in the ruling class is a moving example — along with a nice amount of sword fighting action.

Yamaguchi, who is incredible in the lead role, is aided by a fine, sizable supporting cast, including Norimasa Fuke as a beloved samurai-film star and Yuno Sakura as an assistant director who kindly supports the oddly mannered Shinzaemon.

Mike: A Samurai in Time’s remarkable contrast of Kenzo's environment with Tokyo's frenzied energy is one of its finest assets. Through Kenzo's confused reactions to technology and social standards, this fish-out-of-water dilemma is used excellently for comedy purposes with action scenes that are well-choreographed. The film's violent yet beautiful display of ancient swordsmanship against modern threats when Kenzo is compelled to draw his katana is exhilarating and visually striking. Also noteworthy is Sato's performance. He portrays a samurai's dignity and unshakeable morality while gently showing his struggle to adjust to a foreign world. The supporting cast, especially the eccentric historian who adopts Kenzo (played by veteran actress Haruko Tanaka), offers warmth and fun.

The Bad

Joseph: I have nothing whatsoever to say about A Samurai in Time in this category.

Mike: A Samurai in Time isn’t without a couple of flaws. While entertaining, the story sometimes gets lost in the second act. Some bits distract from the culture-clash with some scenes dragging slightly, slowing the pace. While the early comedic spots are good, later ones feel a bit forced and fall into going after low hanging fruit.

The Verdict

Joseph: A Samurai in Time is obviously a true labor of love for Yasuda. Wearing several hats, he has crafted a stirring, affecting, and highly entertaining comedy-drama that is a love letter to Japan’s jidaigeki (“period dramas”) genre and chambara (“sword fight”) subgenre. It’s a fun, inspirational work for which I give my strongest recommendation. Movie lovers of all stripes should consider this must-see viewing. It’s a shoe-in for my list of top 10 films reviewed for The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict for 2025.

Mike: A Samurai in Time is amusing and thought-provoking despite its minor flaws. The riveting main performance, original premise, and well-executed action transcend its faults. While the narrative could have been a wee more polished, the film offers a new viewpoint on samurai culture and our fast-paced modern society. The film may make viewers question respect and tradition in a confusing world. For a unique blend of genres with a likable hero, A Samurai in Time is worth watching.