“Kurosawa turns this samurai drama into an atmospheric and beautifully crafted tale of intrigue, deception, and moral complexity.”—Rene Sanchez, Cine Sin Fronteras
Orchestrated with an intelligence as sharp as a katana's edge, The Samurai and the Prisoner is an elegant mystery that offers further proof of director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's mastery in any genre.
When Lord Murashige revolts against the tyrannical Oda, he finds himself besieged within the walls of his own castle. Isolated, he is confronted with a series of mysterious crimes that shatter the fragile order of his court, plunging the fortress into fear and suspicion.
With Oda's army closing in and a traitor hiding among his ranks, Murashige is forced into an uneasy alliance with Kanbei, a brilliant and dangerous strategist held prisoner in the dungeon, as he must outwit his enemies and uncover the truth before time runs out. 2026, Japan, DCP, in Japanese with English subtitles, 147 minutes. Recommended for 16+