Japan horror master Kiyoshi Kurosawa brings first samurai film to US audiences

Tokyo: Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, internationally known for atmospheric horror classics such as Cure, is bringing his first-ever samurai film to US cinemas this week. The Samurai and the Prisoner opens in New York and Los Angeles on 31 July before expanding to other major US cities throughout August. The film received an enthusiastic reception when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and has become one of Kurosawa's most successful releases in Japan. The director, whose acclaimed body of work includes Tokyo Sonata and the Venice Film Festival Silver Lion-winning Wife of a Spy, admitted he initially felt uncertain about how audiences would react to his first venture into the samurai genre. “I didn't know what to expect,” Kurosawa told The Associated Press during an interview in New York. A new direction for the master of horror While Kurosawa is best known for psychological horror films set in seemingly ordinary environments, he said the samurai genre presented a very different creative challenge. His previous works often build tension through unsettling events that gradually emerge in everyday settings. In contrast, samurai films are already rooted in a distinct historical world removed from modern life. “The Samurai and the Prisoner” centres on rivalries between warlords and explores themes of power, hierarchy and betrayal. “There is, first of all, power. A feudalistic society is built on a hierarchical relationship of those at the top and those at the bottom. Then there's betrayal,” Kurosawa said. “People try to grab power, and in so doing get thrown into confusion. That exists in any society, historically and perhaps even today. And so this is also about what's eternal.” Bringing history to life Kurosawa said the production came together naturally once filming began. Historic temples and castles in Kyoto, along with period costumes, props, wigs and makeup, helped transport actors into the world of feudal Japan. Although the film marks a departure in setting, Kurosawa retained many of the techniques that define his filmmaking style, including long takes and slow-building scenes that generate tension through anticipation rather than action. A scene from 'The Samurai and the Prisoner'. AP The film stays true to the traditions of Japanese historical dramas, known as jidaigeki, while incorporating the director's trademark sense of unease. Its visuals have drawn comparisons to classic samurai epics such as Ran and Kagemusha by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, who is not related to Kiyoshi Kurosawa. More samurai films to come? The director said he enjoyed making the film and is open to exploring the genre again in the future. He expressed interest in creating a samurai movie with more elaborate sword-fighting sequences inspired by the classic Zatoichi series, which follows a blind swordsman hero. Kurosawa also said he would like to experiment with other genres, including musicals. Despite his growing range, he has no plans to abandon horror filmmaking. “A scary thing generally doesn't happen every five minutes in my films,” he said. “But if that's OK, then I'd like to make my film.” The director acknowledged that modern audiences are increasingly accustomed to fast-paced storytelling and constant action, but he remains committed to the slow-burning style that has defined his career. For now, The Samurai and the Prisoner marks a significant new chapter for one of Japan's most respected contemporary filmmakers, blending the traditions of the samurai epic with the atmosphere and tension that made him famous.