Cast
View AllYosuke Eguchi
as Yusuke Kashima
Kyoka Suzuki
as Rei Kanzaki
Katsuhisa Namase
as Akihiko Mori
Daisuke Shima
as Mikuni
Tetsuya Igawa
as Takanashi
Kazuki Tsujimoto
as Taniguchi
Hiroki Touchi
as Yamase
Shintaro Wada
as Arino
Takehiko Tsuno
as Nakanishi
Makoto Hashiba
as Igawa
Takahiro Hirano
as Ueda
Ryoji Sugimoto
as Matsuzawa
Tenji Iwama
as Funada
Takeshi Kaga
as Takeshi Matoba / Oda Nobugana
Koji Matoba
as Yoda
Crew
Director
- Masaaki Tezuka
Producer
- Kazuo Kuroi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Samurai Commando Mission 1549 distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Masaaki Tezuka brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Samurai Commando Mission 1549 took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Samurai Commando Mission 1549 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Alienoid: Return to the Future, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Samurai Commando Mission 1549 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 2009: Lost Memories and Sanada 10 Braves explore similar territory, Samurai Commando Mission 1549 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 11, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 59m