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The time is the end of the Edo period in Kyoto,

bloody battles are waged daily between the anti-shogunate groups,

the Satsuma and Choshu clans, and the pro-shogunate groups,

the Aizu clan and the Shinsengumi, the special police force.

They are taking their time.

What kind of evil deeds are the Choshu clan plotting right now?

How insolent those clansmen and that drifter, Sakamoto Ryoma

are to oppose our shogun.

They will become mere rust on our swords tonight.

That is the spirit.

The mightiest in the history of the Aizu clan, Kosaka Shinzaemon.

Your presence eases my mind.

Mock me not, Sanosuke.

What an honor to have received a direct order from our chief retainer.

We cannot just let the Shinsengumi take all the credit.

It is time we show the pride of the Aizu samurai.

I thought being the second son of a lower-ranked samurai,

I would just wither away into obscurity without a wife or status.

Getting a task this big is beyond belief.

We cannot afford to fail.

Indeed.

Our opponent, Yamagata Hikokuro is a young but skilled swordsman, I hear.

Stay on your guard.

Halt, you fool!

I assume that you are Yamagata Hikokuro from Choshu?

Certainly, I am.

From the accent, I assume you are from Aizu?

No questions asked!

Announce your name.

Kosaka Shinzaemon of the Aizu clan.

A SAMURAI IN TIME

I saw...

a flash of lightning.

I have no idea.

Wow, what's with all these extras today? Exciting.

"A flame burns brightest just before it goes out," huh?

What do you mean?

I heard from the sound team's youngster

that this might be the last season for this drama.

You kidding!

The Jidaigeki genre is dying.

For sure.

That doesn't mean we're out of work,

unless

you're Mr. Sekimoto whose only speciality is sword fighting.

- Good morning, Mr. Sekimoto. - Morning, Yuko.

Some lines have been changed in the next scene,

so can you let the stuntmen know?

- Dialogue change? - Yes.

In scene 17.

- Here. - Hey, guys.

- Yes. - Yes.

Sorry, a change in the dialogue.

- Good to go? - Yes, I've told them.

We've got to finish filming this scene today.

Okay, run through.

- Okay. - Run through.

Ready, action!

May I ask for your assistance?

Um, what is this place called?

How impudent.

May I ask for your assistance?

Are these...

What a vigorous girl you are.

And look, not bad looking either.

- Come! - No, please!

Keep us company while we drink.

That is all. We won't bite.

- Please let me go! - Enough.

How embarrassing.

What did you say?

Step away or you'll be sorry.

Scoundrels in the city of Edo,

who would dare to dispose of them?

God, Buddha, a demon or ogre?

It's a samurai who is reforming society named Worry-Not-Reformer,

that is I.

What?

Worry-Not-Reformer!

Worry-Not-Reformer?

You'll pay for this!

Serves them right!

Thank you, sir. You saved me.

No injuries?

No. Thanks to you, sir.

Take care.

Cut!

Did I pace myself okay?

Yes. The timing was perfect.

Alright. Let's go then.

The first take.

Wait a minute.

He said "Edo," did he not?

It takes a month to get there from Kyoto.

Impossible.

Ready, action!

And look, not bad looking either.

- Come. - No, please!

What shameful Ronins.

Please let me go!

Enough.

How embarrassing.

What did you say?

Step away or you'll be sorry.

Scoundrels in the city of Edo,

who would dare to dispose of them?

God, Buddha, a demon or ogre?

It's a samurai who is...

Squire Worry-Not-Reformer.

Reformin...

Let me offer assistance!

Come!

You idiot! What the hell?

Whaddya think you're doing! Huh?

Answer me!

I saw...

that a young lady over there and

Squire Worry-Not-Reformer were having trouble.

Therefore I was going to offer them some assistance.

Who hired this dimwit?

Yo, what's going on?

I'm sorry! He may be an extra from a different set!

Kick him out already!

This is unacceptable! Which agency are you from?

My name is Kosaka Shinzaemon of the Aizu clan.

Huh? I don't remember that name here.

I seemed to have troubled you, my sincere apologies.

I think you're on the wrong set.

You need to leave now.

I do not know where I am supposed to go.

There's another set next door so I guess you're supposed to be there.

It's next to that building.

Sorry for the delay, standby please.

Yuko, can we use a crane for this scene?

Let me see.

That appearance. She must be from a foreign land.

What a sound attitude she had.

W-what?

Oh my god!

Hello?

'Jidaigeki Horror Zombie of Yotsuya"

Hey!

What a relief. Are you feeling okay?

Where am I?

I was really worried as you hit your head quite hard.

You should get a CT scan later just in case.

See-tee?

Don't worry, the studio will cover the cost.

I'm Yamamoto Yuko.

Miss Yuko.

What is your name?

My name is Kosaka Shinzaemon.

Mr. Kosaka.

Yes.

I'll go find a nurse so give me a minute.

I'll open the blinds.

"Arrival of the Black Ships"?

"From the Arrival of the Black Ships to the End of the Shogunate."

"Tokugawa shogunate came to end..."

140 years ago?

The time of samurai has long gone.

The sound of lightning has not changed at all.

Lightning!

Strike me!

Strike me!

Take me back! I beg you!

Take me back!

Take me back!

Take me back!

Take me back!

Oh dear, is he from the film studio?

Excuse me? Hello?

Good grief!

Setsuko!

Hey, come over here!

Cut!

One more time!

Are you okay?

Miss Yuko.

What's going on?

Hey! He woke up.

Boy, you had me worried.

What's all this racket about?

Pardon me but where am I?

I found you on the ground by the temple.

Mr. Kosaka.

Yes?

Why did you sneak out of the hospital? In your costume and all!

I can't believe it.

It was impertinent of me. I sincerely apologize.

Are you hungry?

Of course not. I'm not at all hungry.

Well, this is not ahhhhhhh...

You must've been starving.

I have never eaten such delicious rice before!

And the color is...

as white as the snow-covered Mt. Bandai in Aizu.

It is so beautiful that I hesitate to eat it.

But you eat it anyway.

Thank you kindly.

Here.

Thank you kindly.

Mr. Kosaka, I admire your dedication to the role.

Miss Yuko, how did you find me?

Because the film studio is just around the corner,

they often use this temple to film their Jidaigeki.

Pardon me, what is Jidaigeki?

There's not a single Jidaigeki shot in Kyoto that hasn't been filmed here.

Yuko comes to this temple very often for filming,

so if I see an actor in kimono lying on the ground, I'd call her.

It turned out that she was looking for you everywhere.

Do you remember which agency you're from by any chance?

I am very sorry

but I do not know.

The doctor told me that

since he hit his head, his memory is temporarily mixed up.

You mean, like amnesia?

First time seeing one.

It must be troublesome to deal with, even if it's your job.

An assistant director has to do everything.

But I'm sorry for all the trouble this caused you two.

Oh, it's nothing. It's just us living in this vast place.

We have plenty of rooms here too.

Even so, you're looking after a total stranger.

Have you forgotten something? I'm a servant of Buddha.

Why would I hesitate to help a man?

Besides, I can tell that he's not a bad person.

How so?

You saw his head, right? The top is shaven.

And his sword isn't wooden.

It's very heavy. I bet it's made of steel or something.

Making such an effort to play an extra with no dialogue

is sheer dedication. What a man, right?

He's just a geeky actor.

- Coffee, Dear? - Why not.

"Geeky actor."

Mr. Kosaka ended up staying at Seikeiji temple without regaining his memory.

140 years...

Shinzaemon, come and have some tea with us.

Coming.

Excuse me.

Here's some cold tea.

Thank you kindly. I am grateful.

What's wrong?

These must be incredibly expensive sweets, madam.

No.

It's just an ordinary cake from a nearby shop.

Ordinary...

Do you mean any ordinary person can eat this thing?

Of course they can.

Is it that good?

Yes.

I see Japan has become a fine country.

A prosperous country in which

anybody can taste delightful sweets such as this.

You know what, speaking with you

is like speaking with a genuine samurai.

Hey, it's time, Dear.

Oh! I nearly forget about it.

Worry-Not-Reformer

What now?

Worry-Not-Reformer Nishiki Kyotaro

The picture is moving!

That's all. We won't bite.

Enough!

T-this!

Wipe your nose.

How embarrassing.

What did you say!

A samurai who is reforming society named Worry-Not-Reformer,

that is I.

Worry-Not-Reformer!

When I was eight, my mother died.

After that, my father started drinking day and night.

Then he got into debt through gambling.

No more worries!

Father.

Father!

Listen, Oume!

I'm never going to gamble again.

No drinking either.

Promise me, Father.

I promise.

Oume!

My word, that was something.

Dear me! Who'd watch a TV drama as animated as this man?

Nothing has ever moved my heart the way that just did.

What a surprise, truly.

This is the Jidaigeki that Yuko works on.

What?

The lady made that?

Yeah, Yuko's an assistant director.

Is that the lady's duty of some sort?

That's right. In such a masculine, tough environment,

she's trying her hardest to become a director.

I heard she writes her own script every night

no matter how tired she is from her work.

Miss Yuko is like a praiseworthy samurai.

Cut! Okay!

How was it?

Fantastic! We zoomed in on your signature pose bang on time.

Nice one.

Alright! Let's go grab drinks.

It's on me!

Thank you.

- Follow me. - Yes!

So tomorrow's scene 29...

Give me a minute.

You'll be on set of Sakamoto Ryoma next week, right?

Yes, as a helper.

You're in demand, Yuko.

The director told me that he wants to film the main sword fight outside.

Did he tell you?

When did he decide that?

Last night.

Hello, this is Seikeiji.

Oh hi, Yuko!

Good afternoon.

I'm calling to ask you a favor.

Is there more filming next week?

Yes, there is.

Filming?

Yes, it's a Jidaigeki like the one you stumbled into the other day.

So Miss Yuko will be coming as well?

Oh, do you want to know?

No, I did not say I wanted to know...

Thank you.

- From this scene, right? - Yes.

- Let's do it. - Thanks.

Hello? Good morning. We'll get started soon.

I'm so sorry, I forgot that I had a memorial service to attend.

But Setsuko's around so ask her anything.

Sure. Thank you as always.

Master, we're all here, shall we get started?

Okay, I'm coming.

I've got to go now, good luck.

Thank you.

- Yuko! - Yes?

We've got a problem.

You don't look well.

He's pouring with sweat.

You're not well, I heard.

Look at him.

He was already pale when he arrived.

I'm okay.

Are you kidding?

It's okay, I'll work something out.

No, I'm fine.

Let's go.

This is bad. He's passing out!

Go lie down in the car!

C'mon, let's go.

I'm so sorry!

No way he can work today.

Oh my god.

The general actions will be fine.

But only two Shinsengumi guys pursuing Sakamoto Ryoma lacks impact.

We can add another extra and do less sword fighting?

The main actor's got another job today

so he needs to head to Tokyo by the evening.

So we've no time to find an extra and make a wig.

Good morning to you all.

We found one.

- Good to go. - Thank you.

Stand up straight.

Sure.

I can't see any problems.

Like I said, the two stuntmen will do all the sword fighting,

at your turn, you attack the main actor, he dodges and slashes you diagonally.

Then you turn around and whoosh!

And I fall down on the ground?

You got it.

What are the odds of finding a strange guy who has a topknot hairstyle nearby?

Are you sure you can act?

Please rest assured.

I have seen plays many times as an attendant to my superior.

If possible, I would like to try performing now.

Why not? Let's practice.

- Ready? - Yes.

The second man down!

That's kabuki.

Yuko, will this really work?

Let's do a take!

Rolling.

Ready, action!

He looks okay, doesn't he?

Yes.

Listen. if you kill me,

- Japan will never be reformed! - Quiet!

Surrender, you wretch!

So you want to arrest me?

You have an arduous task.

Sakamoto Ryoma, you traitor!

Sakamoto

Ryoma.

Did I get shot!

I am not finished yet!

Damn.

Looking back, I have experienced many things.

What an extraordinary life I have had!

I even had met a truly wonderful woman in the end.

Cut! Okay!

- All good? - Perfect!

- Thank you. - All OK!

- Thank you. - Good job!

Wake up.

Hey, wake up! Hey!

Excuse me. Great work, mister.

Let me.

Okay, I'll take this.

Here.

Are you okay?

Hm? Yes.

Well done.

- Good work. - Nice working with you.

I must say, that last action was damn impressive.

I thought you'd slash me.

I am greatly obliged.

He's a funny one, isn't he?

Man, hats off to you guys' sword fighting skills.

Thank you so much.

Let's move on to the next scene! Get ready, Yuko.

Yes!

So, the next scene for us is...

Excellent work!

I was observing you from behind, and it resembled a genuine sword fight.

Your skills are truly that of a master swordsman!

Well done us, huh?

And your sword technique gave me the shivers.

Not bad at all. I'm not joking.

Thank you.

The moment I heard the name, Sakamoto Ryoma,

it gave me the urge to defeat him.

And when I got shot, I thought of death. I saw my life flash before my eyes.

'Cos you were totally in character.

Respect!

There you go. Respect.

- Let's go. - Okay.

- Listen, in the next scene... - Uh-huh.

Mr. Kosaka.

It was remarkable, especially your reaction to being shot.

What a performance.

Let me put the sword back.

Oh, sure.

I heard that you played a samurai.

Yes, but reluctantly as Miss Yuko begged me to appear.

And how did it go?

To be honest I was too caught up to remember anything.

I wonder if that's what you were doing in a past life, Shinzaemon.

Indeed.

The Shinsengumi and our clan shared the same belief.

Anyway, the filming went well in the end.

Yes, which is good.

Well done to you. Here.

Come on.

Thank you kindly.

And you, Dear.

Actually, Esq. Sekimoto talked highly of me.

What? You mean that Sekimoto?

He said he wasn't joking.

Oh my word!

Wow...

This is it!

It's decided!

You want to be a jidaigeki stuntman?

Yes!

Do you think...

he can join the agency?

Mr. Sekimoto's?

Mr. Kosaka, do you know that the jidaigeki genre is in decline?

There won't be enough work for you to make a living.

Well, he'll stay at ours and help out at the temple too.

- But... - Miss Yuko.

My present state is like that of a baby.

Nothing I do is competent enough.

The swordsmanship I have acquired has no purpose in this modern time.

However, I could still be of some use in a place like a film studio.

I don't know...

When I first had the honour of seeing the jidaigeki you made,

it surprised me dearly.

The joy of life,

sadness, anguish, anger

and life's happiness.

The thoughts of people and their desire for a peaceful life

were truly genuine.

And it reached straight through to my heart.

I could not stop crying.

It felt like I had been saved.

It felt like I had been saved.

What a speech.

What you are doing is wonderful.

Please, please let me offer my assistance to your work.

Please, I beg of you, Miss Yuko.

Thank you so much.

It makes me so happy to hear that.

Miss Yuko.

Okay then.

Let me have a word with Mr. Sekimoto.

Thank you kindly!

I'm so happy for you!

Hold on a minute.

It's up to Mr. Sekimoto whether he accepts you or not, okay?

Sure.

Yuko came to talk to me.

Could I serve my apprenticeship under your guidance?

Anyone who wants to be a sword stuntman today must be insane.

Pardon me but why so?

Back in the days,

20 jidaigeki would have been filmed in this studio every month.

The heyday of Japanese film.

I'd get slashed in the morning, drowned as a yakuza in the evening,

and play a vassal at midnight.

One team gets a location set, and the rest get upset.

But what about now?

We're lucky to get one jidaigeki a week.

Forget about making a living, it's a dead-end job.

Do you still wish to partake?

I lost everything when I had my accident.

Of what avail is the fear of hunger now?

"In the eating of poor fare,"

"drinking of water and using one's elbow for a pillow,"

"pleasure is still to be found."

"Wealth and rank attained through immoral means"

"are as little as fleeting clouds to me."

You can recite the Analects by heart like a real samurai.

There is no other way for me to remain alive in this world.

Please, master.

You'll look good on camera.

First off, show me the swordsmanship that you are proud of.

You need to calm down a bit.

I am calm.

Hello there!

It's you, Yuko.

Hi there.

So you don't know whether Mr. Sekimoto has accepted him.

No! That's why we're so anxious.

This is so frustrating!

There's no chance!

A man without memory won't be accepted!

What have I done? I was too optimistic, wasn't I?

When he comes back, make sure you don't mention anything

about the interview.

Agreed.

Give him some time to tell us the bad news.

Don't you dare use words like "disaster" or "fail"

as that'll remind him of his failure.

- Sure. - Okay.

He's home.

I have returned home.

You didn't slip in the rain, did you?

It'd have been a disaster if you had.

Oh no, the government's failed us again.

The economy is getting worse, another fail.

When will they stop failing us, right?

Don't cry. It's not that bad.

Yeah, there're many other jobs you can do in jidaigeki production.

That's right. There are many things I'd like you to help us with here too.

You can stay here as long as you want, okay?

My admission...

What?

My admission was accepted.

- Hm? - Huh?

I was made a disciple of Esq. Sekimoto!

Why didn't you say so?

I couldn't tell if you were happy or sad!

I'm so happy for you!

What a relief!

Yes!

- Congratulations! - Thank you.

Central Stance.

Elevated Stance.

- Idiot. - Excuse me?

What if this hits an actor behind you?

Watch.

The edge of the blade must be pointing up.

Makes sense.

Step aside when I strike.

You strike at my right.

Then I knock your blade down and strike again.

You move back to dodge me.

Elevated Stance.

We glare at each other.

Then you make a move.

I block straight up and strike diagonally.

Let's try.

Ready.

Go!

Idiot.

You don't block me.

Wrong again.

Why, oh why?

Hey, Yuko.

Yes?

How's your script going?

Very slowly at the moment, actually.

Unless being an A.D. is your goal in life, you must keep writing.

I know.

As the Worry-Not-Reformer will continue, I want you to write an episode.

I'll do my best.

Good morning!

Yes! I will be right there!

Mr. Kosaka became a "kirareyaku," the role of those being slashed.

- Who's behind me? - I am.

Attack me!

I said, attack me.

- Right here. - I'm gonna parry.

I feel you, but move!

Attack! Then I slash you down!

You!

Cut! Okay!

It didn't take long for Mr. Kosaka to learn how to act,

and due to his convincing samurai appearance,

he soon became popular among various productions.

Do something about it.

What?

It's time you cut your hair, Shinzaemon.

What do you think?

Thank you, kindly.

Let's do it!

Ready,

Action.

Cut! Okay!

How was my close up?

Perfect!

The close-up is the must-have shot on TV, huh?

Alright! Let's go grab drinks.

It's on me. Follow me guys.

- Thank you! - Let's go!

- Good work. - Well done.

- Kosaka! - Yes.

Come.

Yes, sir.

Your sword fighting looked quite unique.

I use a real sword when I practice.

So a bamboo sword feels surprisingly light to me.

I wanted to express the weight of the sword and I figured it out.

My apologies, sir. It was selfish of me.

Are you okay, Mr. Kosaka?

Well, I am not sure.

My hand keeps trembling.

Relax, man. You practiced so much last night.

You can do it, Mr. Kosaka.

Thank you.

Ready?

Action.

So you are Worry-Not-Reformer, the meddlesome fool.

Even a lowly samurai like yourself should know shame.

Shut up!

Cut! Okay!

Good job!

Thanks, that was fun.

Right on! I'm on fire today!

Mr. Kosaka's career built up rapidly playing those being slashed.

Mr. Kosaka!

G-good day, Miss Yuko.

My parents were always busy so my grandmother brought me up.

And Grandmother was a big fan of jidaigeki.

And I too became a fan before long.

While my friends were into magical-girl animes,

I was watching jidaigeki series like "Zenigata Heiji."

I loved the star of "The Unfettered Shogun."

Our lord is "unfettered"?

- To be honest, - Yes?

I had almost forgotten my dream

of becoming a director.

I became exhausted continuously working long days,

resulting in me not being able to write my script.

Until lately.

Watching you work so diligently in the studio,

I started to remember my dream of becoming a director.

I started to work on my script again too.

My own script.

Miss Yuko.

Look at this sparkling blade, man!

- Good morning. - Good morning.

An event job?

Yes. We were polishing our blades.

Holy cow! My god, ow!

Good morning.

Turn the TV on, quick!

It'll be a unique and realistic jidaigeki film.

I can't wait to film it in Kyoto, the home of jidaigeki.

Thank you, Director.

Next, Mr. Kazami,

what made you return to jidaigeki

"The Last Real Samurai" Press Conference - after a 10-year break from it?

Good question.

Master Kazami.

I felt this urge inside to make it my mission to make a bona fide

jidaigeki film now.

It's also a way of repaying my debt to the jidaigeki that made me who I am now.

That was the press conference of "The Last Real Samurai"...

Wow, a new jidaigeki will be filmed in Kyoto!

Kazami who?

Seriously?

Kazami Kyoichiro started as a jidaigeki stuntman like us.

He was based in Kyoto and starred in many jidaigeki dramas and films.

He took care of me a lot back then.

But about 10 years ago, he suddenly quit being a jidaigeki actor.

And now he's one of Japan's leading actors.

But he's coming back here again with the world-famous director, Mushanokoji.

- This is insane. - Indeed!

Mr. Kosaka Shinzaemon,

please come to Meeting Room One.

Yes, come in.

Hello, it is I, Kosaka.

Master Kazami, this is Kosaka Shinzaemon.

Kazami?

Kazami Kyoichiro?

Master Kazami to you!

Here's the thing. Master Kazami wants you to play

the role of his opponent in his new jidaigeki film.

Of course. With pleasure.

Listen, this is different to your usual roles,

you'll be playing a supporting actor with many lines!

- Huh? - Listen.

Master Kazami saw your performance on TV,

and recommended you himself.

A dream come true, right?

I must offer my appreciation

yet I am taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

That's it. Master Kazami has recognized your dedication

to your roles as a samurai which I thought was pointless.

- But sir... - Master Kazami,

I'll go check his schedule in the office.

I'll be right back.

Oh please, please wait, sir.

"Do your best and someone somewhere will see."

So true.

Thank you very much for your offer.

I appreciate your kind recommendation.

However,

to be truthful, there are so many other actors here

who are better at sword fighting and acting than I am.

It is a task which is beyond my position, I believe.

It has to be played by you.

Remember me?

May I ask you a question?

That stormy night.

What happened to your fellow clansman?

The Choshu clan...

Yamagata Hikokuro?

After the lightning, I also found myself here, but 30 years earlier.

I was younger than you back then

but now I'm older than you, as you can see.

I was not the only one.

About a month ago, I saw you on TV by chance.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

Today, I'm at a film studio in Uzumasa, Kyoto, the mecca of jidaigeki.

I'm with professional sword fighting stuntmen.

Hello, sir. How long have you been in the team!

It has been a year exactly.

Do you like it! Is it fun!

Y-yes, it is fun.

You're quiet here, but not on stage!

I was a competent swordsman

albeit I doubted myself against you.

Mind you, I'd have won if we'd continued.

Humph! Easy to say.

Yes, you're right.

So, what do you think?

Will you accept my offer?

I will not.

My grudge against the clans that toppled our lord still stands today!

It's time to put that behind you.

As it's absolutely irrelevant now.

You insolent gall!

It has to be you.

- Pardon me. - Our time!

The only person who can depict the true samurai spirit

is you!

You abandoned jidaigeki!

There's no problem with his schedule, hurrah to us all.

What? What happened?

A great disciple.

Mr. Sekimoto.

The chief told me that you turned down your big chance.

Yes.

How arrogant of you to turn down an offer from a superstar.

That role is beyond my position.

The role of being slashed suits me well.

You freaking idiot!

Yes, we play the role of being killed with pride.

We find our joy in making sword fighting scenes look great.

Even so,

it'd be a dream to be the star of a film at least once.

Do you think there's a stuntman who's never thought about such a thing?

Don't be a stubborn idiot and miss the big chance you've been given!

I agree!

Besides, Mr. Kazami's intention of keeping jidaigeki genre alive

is so genuine.

That makes sense. Thanks.

Okay, the final rehearsal for scene 26!

Let's do it!

- Copy that! - Okay!

Scene 26, the imperialist Takaoka meets the pro-shogunate Sakazaki.

Yes.

Okay.

Rolling.

Ready,

action!

Don't be impertinent!

Draw your sword!

I said, draw!

Walk away.

Or you will get hurt.

Damn you!

- You! - Halt!

Esquire Sakazaki.

Sheath your swords.

But...

You are no match for him.

You will pay for this!

Thank you.

It'd have been a needless bloodshed.

Young clansmen who are loyal to the shogunate

like them cannot die here.

My name is Sakazaki Koyata from the Aizu clan.

May I ask your name?

Yoshida Tojuro from the Kumamoto clan.

Cut! Okay!

Your acting wasn't half bad.

It was hard to believe that you had not fought for 10 years.

It was splendid.

Maybe the occasional practice with my real sword helped.

Well done to you. It was fantastic.

Please go and change your costumes.

Yes!

I thought you started in the afternoon.

I need more practice on something.

I respect your dedication.

It seems to be true that you have been practicing!

Without this I'm not me.

Then...

why did you abandon jidaigeki?

With this long-shot,

we'll capture you enjoying fishing together.

Just the image, no sound.

Ready,

action!

Back in the other time, I once killed a samurai.

Walk away.

Finish me.

At first I thought to myself that it was an act of self-defense.

But every time I slashed someone on set, it brought back that memory.

I thought that memory was long gone.

The dying face of that samurai appeared in my dream every night.

I couldn't take it anymore.

Pathetic.

What?

I am disappointed.

Say whatever you like.

Coward.

Quiet, you backwater samurai.

What did you say?

I cannot stand that vulgar accent of yours.

You arrogant fool!

Just look at them.

It's clear to see

that they are in tune with each other.

What a shot, man.

Standby for a run through.

Ready, action!

Cut!

Something's lacking, you know?

The moment you get slashed, turn toward Takaoka and glare at him with hatred.

It's something like

a deep grudge?

Give me some of that!

Is Mr. Kazami okay? He looks a bit pale.

- He's alright. - But...

Okay, take one!

Ready, action!

Cut!

What's wrong, Mr. Kazami?

Are you okay, Mr. Kazami?

Director.

Mr. Kazami looks unwell, so let's give him a rest today

and reschedule this scene?

Hmm.

If we film scene 38 next instead of this, there won't be a problem.

Yeah, we've got a long way to go.

Alright!

We'll film scene 29 another day!

Let's move to scene 38 then.

Okay, crew members, please standby.

Copy that!

Director.

I'm sorry.

Don't be. Have a rest and see you tomorrow.

- Good work. - Excuse us.

Welcome, sir.

Seeking solace with a drink?

You don't drink, right?

The same, please.

Whisky on the rocks, sir?

Rocks?

- That's right. - Sure thing.

Playing the main role is easy.

You do not have to fight well.

You came here to mock me?

What do you know about my suffering?

I know nothing.

How would I, a mere extra, know about a star's suffering?

Here you are.

You need to take responsibility.

You mean, for getting you involved in this film?

No. For ending the Tokugawa reign, and building the foundation of the new age.

Be a worthy samurai and accomplish your duties.

"A worthy samurai", huh?

Rest in nirvana.

Cut! Okay!

Let's move to the next scene!

- Copy that! - Okay.

I owe you one.

I am the one who owes you.

For letting me play the role.

Let's call it even then.

Well done! It was excellent.

Thanks, Yuko.

I hope you can join our get together this weekend.

- Sure. - With pleasure!

That's wonderful.

Ladies and gentlemen of the cast and crew.

We still have a long way to go, but as a token of my gratitude

for your work, I organized this gathering.

Nice one!

Before we say toast, I'd like to hear a few words from Master Kazami,

who plays the protagonist of the film. Please!

With your kind permission, I'd like to say a few words.

You were outstanding today!

Thank you.

As you know,

10 years ago, I abandoned jidaigeki.

At that time, jidaigeki dramas were broadcasted daily, things were booming.

Though nowadays, you hardly see jidaigeki dramas on TV, also

samurai has become the nickname of our national soccer team.

The Edo period is now far away.

That makes me sad.

Overwhelmingly sad.

People may say that jidaigeki is simply irrelevant to today's society.

Even so, I want to preserve this old tradition.

Make a real jidaigeki that everyone can enjoy.

Keep the spirits of those who lived in that era alive.

So everyone, please help me out.

Let's do this together!

Who'll continue making jidaigeki if we don't?

- Master Kazami. - Mr. Kazami!

Let's do it!

Let's make the best jidaigeki!

Yes!

So guys, let's give a last big push toward the completion

of The Last Real Samurai. Cheers!

Yuko! This film will be a mega hit! I mean it!

Stunt Coordinator!

Drink up, Shinzaemon.

Not for me.

C'mon, join the party!

Excuse me.

What a great speech, Mr. Kazami.

I was moved.

Thank you, but you're embarrassing me.

And that line you improvised in the sword fighting scene.

As if saying "Rest in nirvana,"

"I'll burden your grief hereafter."

You gave your character more depth.

I agree, more depth.

- And the director? - Yes, what?

I think he loved it.

Look how happy he looks.

I'm gonna revamp the jidaigeki genre!

All that's left is the final sword fight.

Between Shinzaemon and I, right?

Tell the director if you have any ideas.

- Okay. - I will ponder.

Thank you in advance for your hard work.

Thank you, Miss.

What a fine girl she is.

I would not know.

When I see Miss Yuko, I only see her as an assistant director.

Oh.

So you see Miss Yuko as something more than that?

I despise your vulgarity.

You don't say...

Certainly not.

- You misunderstood me. - Did I?

I want to support Miss Yuko's dream of becoming a director,

- but I have no other feelings for... - if that's the case,

I might ask her out for dinner.

I was teasing you.

Mock me not.

Sorry guys, there are some additions to the script.

I'll hand the new one out now.

Here you are.

Thank you kindly.

You two have no changes but please read it through.

I'll do that tonight.

I will read it now.

- It's scene 82. - Thank you.

Details after the Meiji Restoration.

The Boshin War, which began in 1868, was a brutal civil war

between the imperial Court led by the Satsuma-Choshu clans

and the shogunate forces including the Aizu clan.

The Aizu clan fought by barricading themselves in the Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle.

However, the imperial Court, armed with modern weapons,

turned the castle into a horrific scene of carnage.

Many lives including women and children were lost.

The Aizu clan surrendered, the imperial Court forbade the burial

of those who died within the castle as punishment.

As a result, a horrible stench was created by the rotting corpses.

The clansmen and their families who escaped punishment

were driven away to lands where crops couldn't grow.

And many perished

due to cold and hunger.

If I were from the Choshu domain,

what would your intentions be?

I would follow the orders of the clan.

Those who oppose the shogunate...

Cut.

My apologies.

Hey, what're you playing at, huh?

How many takes?

That was the 8th.

Are you okay, Mr. Kosaka?

Yes.

Do you want to check your lines?

Yes.

Yikes!

Geez, man.

Yo, yo, dickhead.

I got your puke on me!

My apologies.

You messin' with us, eh?

I am sincere, that I am.

What's he saying?

You shameless cowards.

Huh?

Bring it on, prick.

Hilarious.

Stay down, dickhead.

- C'mon, man. - Yep.

What am I doing here?

There is nothing I can do.

That was great, Director.

You wanna use real swords?

Yes.

Don't be stupid. You're joking, right?

Real swords? Have you lost your mind, Mr. Kosaka?

Isn't that the "reality" you are always talking about?

Of course not!

Reality in that context is a sense of reality created in the film,

it doesn't mean using real things.

Says who?

- Director! - The stunt wise?

Well, aluminium-alloy swords are similar to real swords in terms of their weight.

Understood.

What do you think?

I think it's...

an interesting idea.

Oh my god! You can't be serious!

Well, I've decided. Jesus, how exhilarating.

- Director! - Zip it!

My life's at stake too! Walk away if you want.

Thank you, Yuko, for your concern.

But don't worry.

We will sign a waiver to protect this film

from being unreleased.

You are well prepared.

Kosaka Shinzaemon Kazami Kyoichiro

It's done. Good, good, good!

There's no way we can back off now!

The finest work of my lifetime!

I can't accept it.

What makes our work special is that we make

choreographed fighting using bamboo swords look like a real fight.

I must do it as a samurai

not as an actor, sir.

What did you say?

Nothing, sir.

Letter of Resignation

What's this?

Are you going to resign?

I am disobeying the teaching of my master. Please forgive me.

Do whatever you like.

I won't be there.

What a lovely day.

You nearly gave me a heart attack.

You looked deadly fierce.

Please forgive me.

Here you are.

What's wrong with you?

The thing is...

I hurt myself during a fight scene.

Don't push yourself too hard.

Even if it's a good role, getting hurt amounts to nothing.

Yes.

Hey, you haven't eaten much today.

I greatly appreciate the generosity and kindness you have given me.

Thank you very much.

What's this sudden formality? Finish your food.

Today's pickles are exceptional. Try some.

I will, thank you.

It is delicious.

I know.

Go on, eat up.

Dear, don't forget Mr. Yoshida's 13th memorial next week

Next week?

I can't believe it, call him and let him know.

All right. I will.

Madness, this is madness.

Hey, step on it!

Give me the receipt.

Keep the change.

- It's here, thanks. - Okay.

Hey!

- Yuko. - Hi, Chief.

Fighting with real swords is unheard of!

I tried to stop them but nobody listened to me.

If something goes wrong, I can't take responsibility!

- Read this. - What's that?

Darn, this is very old-fashioned.

Let's see, "The use of real swords while filming the fight scene"

"is a deed that we both agreed on."

And...

In the event of an accident, it'll be on their account,

and seeks no compensation from the director nor the crew.

Phew! That's a relief!

Their accident, their account, huh?

- That's not the point! - Anyway,

have a doctor and nurse on set.

That's done.

What else?

The insurance's done too.

Well done. There's nothing to worry about then.

Master Kazami.

I, Inoue, am here to witness

your dedication as an actor.

I want this film to be successful.

That's all I wish for.

It will be. This jidaigeki film deserves to be successful.

We will never let your deaths be in vain.

Jesus! What am I saying? My bad!

I-I wonder where Kosaka is? Kosaka?

Where's Kosaka? It's time.

Do you think...

No. He'll be here. Mr. Kosaka is coming.

Though I wish he wouldn't.

Mr. Kosaka's here!

There he is!

Thank you for waiting.

I am ready to start.

Hello, Mr. Kosaka.

We'll start just after sunset.

Please remember that you're using real swords.

Please don't push yourself.

Let's start the rehearsal.

There's no need.

We know what to do.

- What? - I don't see why not.

One chance, one take. The tension is electrifying.

Director!

Okay, standby you two.

I request that you and I fight to the death.

You can't forgive me after all?

I cannot...

face my fellow clansmen who have died in vain.

Are they rehearsing their lines?

You want to finish what we started?

Yes.

I understand.

I appreciate it.

It was fun,

making a film with you.

Likewise.

Let's do it.

Rolling.

Take one.

Ready,

action!

Must we cross swords?

Yes we must.

It is our destiny.

To sacrifice one's life for what one believes...

is the fulfilment of a samurai.

Now.

We begin.

Wait a minute.

They're not following the choreography.

They're improvising.

What?

They're fighting for real?

We must stop them!

No!

Keep rolling.

Whatever happens.

Sure.

They're real.

They're real samurais.

I guess this is my destiny.

Do it.

Do what you must do.

Strike me.

Finish me!

You did not die in vain.

Rest in nirvana.

- What a great film. - Indeed.

The Last Real Samurai

A new jidaigeki star is born.

I hope he stays at ours for good.

I wonder.

Finish me!

I am...

I am such a coward!

We did what we did for our country.

We kept our faith and lived to the fullest.

That's all that matters.

Cut! okay!

You are right.

Now I must live

this life to the fullest.

Our beliefs back then and jidaigeki

will both be forgotten one day.

Yet

today is not that day.

I am very...

I'll forgive you just this once.

But never again.

You hear me?

Yes.

- Miss Yuko, I... - Next, scene 82

where Takaoka gets slashed and blood gushes out!

Prepare some blood bags please!

- Copy that. - Okay.

Such a fine girl she is.

Off you go.

Yes, I'll leave that to you.

Today is not that day.

Ready, action!

Cut! Okay!

- That was great! You're the man! - Yeah?

- Keep it up. - Will do.

- Well done. - Thank you.

You were great.

Seriously?

Next time you attack first.

Starting with an octagonal stance, a long pause, then, attack!

A SAMURAI IN TIME

Cast:

Makiya Yamaguchi as Shinzaemon Kosaka

Norimasa Fuke as Kyoichiro Kazami & Hikokuro Yamagata

Yuno Sakura as Yuko Yamamoto

Rantaro Mine as Swordfight Arranger Sekimoto Ken Syonozaki as (Young) Hikokuro Yamagata

Hajime Inoue as Head of Studio Inoue Yoshiharu Fukuda as Temple Chief Priest

lchiko Kurenai as Setsuko Tsutomu Tamura as Kyotaro Nishiki

Crew:

Story & Script by Junichi Yasuda

Cinematography by Junichi Yasuda

Lighting by Kin ya Doi, Hiroshi Hano, junichi Yasuda

Assistant Directors Hiro ya Takagaki, Yuno Sakura

Swordfight Arrangement by Kazuto Seike

Title design by junichi Yasuda

Directed by junichi Yasuda

Production by Mirai Eigasha

The End

English subtitles by Sayaka Rui