FANTASTIC FEST 2011: A BOY AND HIS SAMURAI Review

Moving away from his previous films' sprawling, conspiracy-laden narratives, Nakamura opts for a mostly quiet, seemingly harmless character-driven family film. A Boy And His Samurai is largely devoid of action, and when there's drama, it is certainly of the melo-variety. Now what about conflict? Well that comes in too, but if Nakamura is known for one thing across all his pictures, it would be his super big heart. AndA Boy And His Samurai has plenty of heart to spare. And oh yes, it has a time traveling samurai...

...Which brings us to...

Edo-period samurai, Kajima (Japanese TV heartthrob, Ryo Nishikido): He ends up being "spirited away" to present day Tokyo, and like anyone who has stepped through time, boy is he confused. Luckily, single mom, Yusa, and her six-year old, Tomoya take the fellow in. Tomoya is a big fan of custard (aka pudding), and when Kajima gets a taste, he is convinced it must be from the heavens (side note: if I am not mistaken the original Japanese title, Chomange purin actually has something to do with pudding).  Soon enough, Kajima has stepped into a modern domestic role as a surrogate father and housekeeper, picking Tomoya up from school, doing the laundry, making the meals, aanndd learning how to master the sweet arts. This frees things up for Yusa to get ahead at her job in IT.

It may sound like a cutesy scenario, and to be sure it is, but I can't imagine this playing any better in a film from the West. In fact I don't even want to think about it. I'll just enjoy this amusing domestic tale with an out-of-time samurai turned sweets-making master instead, thank you very much.

What makes the story click is the sincerity of the lead performances. Nishikido never plays the idiot time-traveler role, and while his adjustment to some contemporary concepts (namely the role of a woman) is a bumpy and humorous one, it all feels natural. As Yusa, Rie Tomosaka is head-strong and devoted to her son if also a little overwhelmed as any modern parent can attest to. Sure enough there's a romantic spark between Yusa and her house guest: one that is played out in a coy fashion, and doesn't demean either character. Now this ultimately being a family film the real core to it all is our boy, Tomoya, played winningly by Fuku Suzuki. Yeah, he may start the picture off as a bit of a cry-baby, but this is a story about gaining experience: learning; growing; it's a real treat to see Suzuki do this right there on screen.

And did I mention the desserts? Forgive me then... This movie is going to have you salivating for a treat afterward, no doubts there. I've got three words for you: Giant. Cake. Castles.

So wrapping it up, if you've got kids who are willing or able to read subtitles, A Boy And His Samurai is going to be a primo alternative to any Hollywood fare out there. And to anybody else: take a chance on this one! Nakamura loses none of his inventiveness and charm on a smaller scale. And rest assured, though Kajima vowed to put down his sword in favor of a whisk, that is a vow to be broken when the yakuza come a calling...