Because I am a retired history teacher and lover of Japanese films, the plot to "Samurai Spy" is something I can understand--though it wasn't easy. However, most folks who are not Japanese will really struggle understanding the context--even with the tiny prologue to explain this. To make things a bit easier to understand, I'll summarize the context where the film begins: Before the Tokugawa Era, Japan was fragmented into many different kingdoms run by many different clans. In the late 1500s, several leaders of the Tokugawa clan schemed to gain power by forging alliances and fighting battles against the various other clans in Japan. Eventually, Ieyasu defeated the final holdout clans in 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara and he became the first Shogun--the de facto leader of Japan (despite there still being an Emperor). However, a few years later, the Sanada clan tried, in a last gasp effort, to defy the power of the Tokugawa clan and was crushed in a final epic battle. Just following this battle is when this film begins.

Sasuke and Noriji both meet and are soon set upon by agents of the Tokugawa who try to kill Noriji. You assume Sasuke is working with the Sanada clan because he helps Noriji--though who is working with whom is difficult to determine--especially since Noriji is a man who will work for whoever pays him most. A bit later, Noriji is killed--presumably by the guy in white (whose headdress looks a bit like bunny ears). And, for the rest of the film, one guy after another tries to kill Sasuke--and folks around him start dropping like flies. Who is working for whom and what is all this about? See the film and find out for yourself.

I'll be honest. This was a very well made film and the action sequences, when they occurred, were very nicely done. However, the film is also VERY, VERY talky. Not a bad film but one that isn't as memorable as many of the other films I've seen about this time period.

Samurai Soy was made during the cold war and reflects both the paranoia and uncertainty of the time. It's a tale of spies being caught between sides. Having the appearance of being on one side, whilst fighting for the other, causes a lot of conflict and grief for the warriors. Perhaps the audience was supposed to be as confused as the spies, but it doesn't help so much when telling a story. Unlike the majority of samurai films, we get to see some awesome stealthy ninja action and throwing star carnage. The immense leaps and jumping made for a wealth of excitement. There were also some fantastic long shots which just aren't used for action sequences these days.

Samurai Spy was the one film in Criterion's DVD box of four samurai films (called Rebel Samurai) that I had never before seen. While I would slightly recommend the film, it is a slow going motion picture with a lot of talk and intrigue.

I know very little about Japanese history, so some of the film's plot was lost on me, but basically the film is set during a period of cold war between the two groups that control Japan. Sasuke (Koji Takashasi) belongs to a clan that is neutral. Sasuke has been in battle before and the fighting has left him tired and numb. He no longer sees the point in battles. . . this will not stop him from killing a couple dozen people during the film's running time. On the road, Sasuke meets up with an old friend who is planning the defection of a high ranking spy of one of the ruling clans to its rival. This friend only cares about the money he will make, but does offer Sasuke a portion if he helps with defection. Sasuke refuses, yet does come to his friend's rescue during an ambush. Slowly, Sasuke finds himself drawn into the plot somewhat against his will.

Samurai Spy benefits greatly from Koji Takahasi's performance as a weary samurai tired of killing. In addition, the film also has some impressive moments. The deadliest villain dresses as a white ninja and is quick to show off his fighting prowess. The climatic fight between him and Sasuke is quick and startling. Director Masahiro Shinoda places a boy clutching a dead bird in the background of some of the scenes. I have no idea what the boy is supposed to represent, but the distraction is an asset. Finally, the film stages one excellent sustained action set piece where Sasuke has to rescue two prisoners.

In spite of these strengths, I could only get so interested in Samurai Spy. The plot incorporates a lot of elements. There is the initial defection plot, the persecution of Christians, a murder mystery element, a broken family subplot, two love interests, and two masterful swordsman rivals that Sasuke has to face. Shinoda (admittedly not one of my favorite Japanese directors) does only a fair job at balancing all of these elements. The ending should have meant more than it does considering all that happened leading up to it.

Samurai Spy is not a bad film. I certainly can't say I was bored with it, even with the slow pace. I don't think I would watch it a second time though. Others might like the film more than I did.