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.

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Chiwawa broke my heart

Maybe I'm the one who's going to differ. I liked the editing, somehow reminiscent of Nakashima's, I also enjoyed the coloring (Ninagawa style?), both served the energy inherent to the somewhat festive if not dissolute life of Chiwawa and some/many of her acquaintances. The sequencing of all those little stories from the people who loved her or simply had to deal with her also contributes to the special atmosphere and rhythm of the movie. Superb acting from young and talented thespians and the emotional ending got me ravaged. The infinite sadness of that finale being amplified by the lack of knowledge about the hows and whys Chiwawa died...

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