Samurai

About This Movie

So, Samurai is this unique 1979 flick that blends action with a dose of adventure and a sprinkle of crime. It follows Lee Cantrell, played by a less-known actor, who leads a double life as a lawyer and a samurai. The film's got this gritty vibe, typical of the late 70s, with a plot that revolves around a millionaire scheming to wreak havoc on San Francisco using an earthquake machine—pretty wild, right? The pacing holds up, and the practical effects, while not groundbreaking, definitely add a certain charm. You can sense the tension in the fight scenes, and there’s this strange mix of seriousness and absurdity that makes it stand out in that era’s martial arts cinema.

Samurai has seen limited releases over the years, which makes it a bit tricky to find in decent condition. It wasn't a major hit upon release, and as a result, original prints and early VHS versions are fairly scarce. Collectors show a niche interest, mainly due to its unusual premise and that late-70s aesthetic. If you come across it, especially on an older format, it could be worth grabbing for that unique cinematic flavor.