A Samurai in Time (2024)

[bunniefuu]

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 dr*fter, 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 specialty 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 a 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 ahhhhhhbh...

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 k*ll 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 honor 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.

- ldiot.

- 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 I10-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, Mushanokoiji.

- 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 k*lled 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 k*lled 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 w*r, which began

in 1868, was a brutal civil w*r

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, aluminum-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-l 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, ...

- 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!