The Samurai and the Prisoner

The Samurai and the Prisoner (2026)



黒牢城

7.9 2026 147 min Japan

Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Cast: Masahiro Motoki, Masaki Suda, Yuriko Yoshitaka, Munetaka Aoki, Ryota Miyadate

Drama History Mystery
Lord Murashige rebels against the oppressive Oda regime, only to find himself trapped inside his own fortress under siege. Cut off from the outside world, a wave of baffling crimes unravels the delicate peace of his court, flooding the castle with dread and distrust. As Oda’s forces tighten their grip and a hidden betrayer lurks in his midst, Murashige forms a tense partnership with Kanbei—a cunning and perilous mastermind locked away in the dungeon. Together, they must outthink their foes and expose the conspiracy before the final hour strikes.

More About This Film

The Samurai and the Prisoner, released internationally as Kokurôjô, is a 2026 Japanese historical mystery thriller directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Set in 16th-century Japan, Lord Murashige Araki becomes trapped in his own castle while mysterious crimes threaten to destroy the fragile order inside.

Masahiro Motoki, Masaki Suda, Yuriko Ishikawa, Munetaka Aoki, Ryota Miyadate, and Joe Odagiri star in the film. The story is based on Honobu Yonezawa's historical novel and combines political intrigue, war, mystery, and psychological tension.

  • Kiyoshi Kurosawa directed and wrote the film.
  • The film is based on a novel by Honobu Yonezawa.
  • Masahiro Motoki and Masaki Suda lead the cast.
  • It premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
  • The Cannes presentation lists a runtime of 147 minutes.

Where to Watch

The Samurai and the Prisoner is an international festival and theatrical title with digital availability varying by territory.