Shunsaku Kawake’s Baian: The Assassin, M.D. has been acquired by and will release exclusively on Samurai VS Ninja, a brand new SVOD platform launching on April 1 that aims to be home to hundreds of films and shows centered around samurai and ninja stories. The platform is the latest creation by Japanese entertainment hub REMOW Co., Ltd., in association with Nihon Eiga Broadcasting Corporation.
Baian: The Assassin, M.D. released back in February featuring actor Etsushi Toyokawa (20th Century Boys trilogy, Punk Samurai Slash Down, Kingdom 2) in the title role, based on the literary work of late author Shotaro Ikenami whose classic novel inspired multiple iterations of the character for the screen. Written by Sumio Omori, the film centers on the exploits of a renowned acupuncturist who, in secret, employs his particular set of skills to dispense his own brand of justice as a feared assassin.
The film was released in February and now stands to be the centerpiece presentation with Samurai VS Ninja on track to host a YouTube “Watch Party” and “After Movie Talk” session with YouTubers AtomicMari, Ryan Higa and Wengie. The announcement on Thursday also notes that as many as 337 titles will comprise the platform’s library with titles to be added daily, including series dramas like “Zatoichi,” “Zankuro” and “Abarenbo Shogun,” films such as 13 Assassins and Miyamoto Musashi, and many more.
Samurai VS Ninja will launch in 40 countries including the United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Indonesia, and Philippines. Visit the official website to learn more about the platform and its upcoming content, and subscribe to the YouTube channel today.
