Bernard Rose’s Samurai Marathon was one of the best and most memorable feats of my festive (at-home) filmgoing summer. The film premiered for the New York Asian Film Festival last June and has since been acquired by the champions at Well Go USA, now formally announced for a Digital release beginning May 12, and for a Blu-Ray and DVD release on July 21.
Acclaimed filmmaker Bernard Rose has created a stunning visual feast complemented by a haunting score from iconic composer Philip Glass. Inspired by a race still held annually in Japan, Samurai Marathon is a lively action flick with a samurai twist. In late feudal Japan, a young ninja operates undercover in the court of an aging lord and his rebellious daughter. When the lord challenges his lazy samurai to a punishing marathon—joined covertly by Princess Yuki—the ninja finds his loyalties put to the test. Facing impossible odds, this unusual band of characters is running a race to either win or die.
Starring are Takeru Satoh (Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter), and the 18th NYAFF’s Screen International Rising Star Asia Award-winner Nana Komatsu (The World of Kanako, Silence), Mirai Moriyama (Rage, Vision), Shota Sometani (First Love) and Danny Huston (X-Men Wolverine, TV’s “Yellowstone”).
The film is produced by Academy Award-winning Jeremy Thomas (The Last Emperor) and Toshiaki Nakazawa (Departures), and features some impressive below-the-line support, including an original score composed by modern music legend Philip Glass (The Truman Show), costume designs by Oscar winner Emi Wada (Ran) and cinematography by Takuro Ishizaka (John Woo’s Manhunt).
