Neko zamurai

While the movie and tv series are similar the stories are not exactly the same.

In the movie Tamanojo the cat was to be a wedding gift but in the TV series it was thought to be a demon cat.

The cast list is also incorrect for the movie listed here.

Some scenes in the movie have been reused for the series with a slight tweak to fit the story.

Kazuki Kitamura has the best scowl in the business, that along side his dry, laconic delivery makes for the best depiction of an Edo era ronin in modern movies.

I recommend watching the movie first then binge the series, all available on YouTube ........

A Masterless Samurai Madarame who has fallen on hard times is hired by a gang to kill their rival's beloved pet cat, Tama. Upon accepting the assignment, he finds he cannot kill the cat, and instead brings it home. Backed by some great supporting characters, there are a lot of funny moments in this movie that make you smile that are not overdone. Tween cat-loving girl me would have thought that this movie is fantastic. Mid 30's Mom me now appreciates the history, clothing, and of course, the kitty. Light violence of the samurai sword wielding variety. Adapted from a popular TV series, this is sure to be a winner for date night or family movie night.

When I heard the title 'Samurai Cat' I thought that this could be some good cheesy entertainment with a cat kicking some ass.

That was however NOT this movie, the cat is just a regular cat, perhaps 'The Samurai and the cat' would be a more fitting title cause there is a Samurai who takes care of the cat.

Although the samurai does not kick a lot of ass in the movie either, anyways it's an adoption of a TV series from what I understand, I haven't seen that so I can't common whether or not it's true to the series or whatever.

So yeah although it has okay acting (except for the cat who looks very uncomfortable when he supposedly looks peaceful according to the characters) and cute cats it doesn't really make much of an impact.

Not really sure who the movie is supposed to be directed towards, it's a little too slow to keep a child's patience I imagine and probably a little too silly for most adults.

Madarame Kyutaro aka "Madarame Demon" is an intimidating ronin and sword instructor who lost his position. He has taken leave of his wife and daughter and moved to Edo (modern day Tokyo) to seek work. Desperate for any kind of income, he reluctantly accepts a job to kill a frightening monster cat that apparently has possessed its owner -- at least according to the man's servant. But when Madarame prepares to strike the killing blow, the little white cat turns, looks him in the eye, and is simply too cute to kill. The samurai takes the cat, called Tamanojo, back to his humble Edo dwelling and their adventures begin.

The plot is very simple; nevertheless, I found this program extremely enjoyable. It's funny, the cat, Anago, is exceptional, and the cast, which stars the gorgeous Kitamura Kazuki, is quite talented. The Edo setting is fascinating, including Japanese customs and lore about cats.

I'm watching the "Making of" video for Season 2 and learned that this piece is part of a genre called a "Samurai Healing Drama."

Anyone who rates this show with a low score doesn't have any appreciation for its subtle humor. I have really enjoyed the fun plot, the characters and yes, the mellow cat. Even the scary face of the lead actor and the song he sings to himself are amusing. He has perfect features for the role. Enjoyable cinamatography, cute characters. So nice to find some light entertainment that isn't hostile, violent, demoralizing, stressful and toxic. Americans have to seek out foreign shows like this to find emotionally healthy programming. Relax, don't expect a true samurai show and you can have fun with this.