1855, Japan is at the crossroads: change is inevitable but fear of invasion a big issue. Samurai Marathon is based on actual events, of minor importance though, and the main asset of the film is no doubt its great ensemble cast: among them, Takeru Satoh, Nana Komatsu and Mirai Moriyama really deliver the goods.

British director Bernard Rose (mostly known for Candy Man) leads you through the beautiful landscapes of the Yamagata Prefecture in an epic which is both a tribute and a parody. The cinematography is superb and the soundtrack (Phil Glass) just as good.

The film is a very pleasant watch and offers a mix of action, drama and farcical elements for a plot which deals with duty and loyalty.