Samurai Hustle - The Japan Foundation

Set in the 18th century, in the reign of the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Yunagaya clan headed by NAITO Masaatsu in the Tohoku region is small and financially modest. Suddenly, NAITO receives an order from Shogun to perform Sankin-kotai within 4 days. Sankin-kotai is a custom that requires the regional lords to pay a costly visit to the shogun in Edo (Tokyo), so that none of these lords would be able to pool enough money to be rebel against Tokugawa Shogun.

The time usually needed to visit the shogun in Edo from their northern region takes 8 days and coming to Edo within 4 days is just an impossible act. Besides, for the lengthy journey, they would have to observe many codes of conduct which takes even more time for preparation and money. Facing multiple hardships to obey the order, NAITO begins an unexpected operation to complete Sankin-kotai in time. Behind the impossible order, there is an evil and greedy intention on Shogun side who tries to prevent the journey from being possible.

Partly comical with superb action scenes, this entertaining film is a representative period drama which is accessible even to those who are not necessarily knowledgeable about Japanese history. It is relatable in the way the film demonstrates what element is needed for a leader when facing a very difficult situation and how to turn impossible into possible.