The Samurai and the Prisoner - Rakkautta & Anarkiaa 17.-27.9.2026

A samurai drama by Kiyoshi Kurosawa that merges historical epic with a locked-room mystery.

Japanese horror master Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Cure; Pulse, R&A 2002) ventures into new territory with his samurai drama The Samurai and the Prisoner. Based on Honobu Yonezawa's award-winning novel and set in the 16th century, the narrative unfolds across four seasons. The story begins when rebel samurai Araki Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) fortifies himself in Arioka Castle after turning against his former ally, the ruthless warlord Oda Nobunaga. As the siege tightens, inexplicable crimes begin to occur within the castle walls, and the desperate samurai must turn to Kuroda Kanbe, a rival strategist imprisoned in the dungeon.

Kurosawa transforms the historical war epoch into a locked-room mystery that deepens into a psychological power game. Suspicion and guilt corrode minds as paranoia and betrayal spread within the sealed castle - political calculation, loyalty, and fear eat away at the community from within.

Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Cast Masahiro Motoki, Masaki Suda, Yuriko Yoshitaka
Country Japan
Language Japanese
Subtitles English
Age rating K12
Duration 147 min