*** Cinecenta Passes not accepted for VFF Films***

In late Edo-period Japan, two samurai engage in a fierce duel. When a bolt of lightning strikes, it hurls Kosaka (Makiya Yamaguchi) through time, waking him in present-day Japan. Disoriented, he finds himself on the set of a modern jidaigeki (period film) TV series, surrounded by people in both period costumes and contemporary attire, armed with modern gadgets. Mistaken for an extra by Yuko (Yuno Sakura), a driven assistant director, Kosaka’s exceptional swordsmanship leads to an unexpected role as kirareyaku—the actor hired to dramatically die on screen. 

A Samurai in Time blends humor with heart, presenting an ironically hilarious premise: a noble samurai, centuries removed from his time, flourishing as a stuntman in a world he can barely comprehend. But beyond the laughs, the film poignantly explores themes of change, adaptation, and the passage of time. 

Kosaka’s journey isn’t just about mastering stunt choreography; it’s about reconciling the rigid code of the samurai with the fluidity of modern life. As the samurai era fades, Kosaka must navigate a world that no longer has a place for him, ultimately finding hope and redemption in the evolving Japan around him. 

 – RW