Movie: Samurai Marathon
Romaji: Samurai Marason
Japanese: サムライマラソン
Director: Bernard Rose
Writer: Akihiro Dobashi (novel), Hiroshi Saito, Bernard Rose
Actors: Takeru Satoh, Nana Komatsu, Mirai Moriyama, Shota Sometani, Munetaka Aoki, Naoto Takenaka, Etsushi Toyokawa, Hiroki Hasegawa, Mugi Kadowaki, Junko Abe, Taishi Nakagawa
I could only imagine when they pitch this idea to the producers, the producers gave it a green light right away. That is how interesting this project is. Imagine Jidaigeki plus marathon? That combination would pique anyone's interest especially fans of samurai movies. Although the idea is fresh and brilliant, I feel the execution could have been a lot better. I feel pacing is the biggest problem. The beginning is a bit fast. It's not like a marathon, but a 100 meter dash.
You can separate this movie into three acts. First act is the boring introduction, second is the marathon and third is when they clash their swords. The pace in the beginning is fast and narrative unbalance, but once they start running and swords start clashing, the movie became engaging and thrilling. It's a Jidaigeki film after all. The action may not be as grotesque or excellent as great Jidageiki's, especially the old ones, but it's good enough for a fan of the genre to enjoy this movie.
Samurai Marathon is about loyalty and betrayal. All these characters got engulfed in this complex political era in old Japan. Rigid power structures and rivalry between clans are common during that time. Another theme explored is change and modernization. The arrival of those black ships from west is what triggers different reactions from lords in a country shut off from outside world.
This ensemble cast is the best selling point of this movie. Just look at the names, not just well known actors, but each has reputation of superb actors. You got Takeru Sato, an actor who can carry any film on his back. Sato is famous for his role as Kenshin Himura in Rurouni Kenshin live action series. The actor of Sanosuke Sagara, Munetaka Aoki, is also in this movie, so in that sense this could also be a preparation for them in the upcoming Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter in 2020. There is also the versatile Shota Sometani, the most award winning actor in this group. You can always expect brilliance from his performance. The Fearless Nana Komatsu, playing a Mulan type of character. Komatsu has Box Office written on her name, but also has the talent to back it up. Mirai Moriyama, who considered by many as the best subtle actor in Japan, he has tendency to captivate his audience thru his facial nuances, and it's quite evident in this movie.
Each of them has their own moments to shine, kudos to the director. He did well capitalize on the talents he has. Even the supporting actors are great as well. Nothing to be surprised though, whenever you have names such as Mugi Kadowaki, Junko Abe, Etsushi Toyokawa and Hiroki Hasegawa as your supporting cast you could always expect a solid performance.
For the conclusion, Samurai Marathon is an enjoyable period movie. It might not be as good as other period films, but it can still stand on its own simply because of its fascinating and fresh storyline.
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