---
title: "The Twilight Samurai"
year: 2002
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-twilight-samurai-2002"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 12496
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 129
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Twilight Samurai (2002) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-twilight-samurai-2002

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Twilight Samurai is a film first released in 2002. Catalogued under Drama, Romance. Produced and broadcast by Shochiku, Sumitomo Corporation, Hakuhodo. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A lowly samurai balances duty and family amid Japan’s fading feudal era."

### Why Watch
- Sensitive portrayal of samurai life
- Strong emotional depth
- 84% rating on CSFD

### Caveats & Content Note
- Runtime exceeds two hours, which may feel lengthy
- Focuses on domestic struggles rather than battlefield action
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s gentle, mature tone makes it suitable for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, romantic, quiet, period, intimate

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-twilight-samurai-2002#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Yoji Yamada
- **Networks / Studios**: Shochiku, Sumitomo Corporation, Hakuhodo

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Hiroyuki Sanada** as *Seibei Iguchi*
- **Rie Miyazawa** as *Tomoe Iinuma*
- **Nenji Kobayashi** as *Choubei Kusaka*
- **Mitsuru Fukikoshi** as *Michinojo Iinuma*
- **Min Tanaka** as *Zenemon Yogo*
- **Ren Osugi** as *Toyotaro Koda*
- **Hiroshi Kanbe** as *Naota*
- **Miki Ito** as *Kayano Iguchi*
- **Ito Senba** as *Ito Iguchi*
- **Keiko Kishi** as *Older Ito Iguchi*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What time period does the film take place in?
It is set at the turn of the nineteenth century as Japan’s feudal system declines.

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
The story follows Seibei Iguchi, a low‑ranking samurai and widower.

### Q: What genres describe the film?
It is classified as a drama and romance.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes.

### Q: How has the film been received by critics?
It holds an 84% rating on the CSFD review site.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Twilight Samurai — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/12496)
- [The Twilight Samurai (2002) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/en-gb/film/118348-the-twilight-samurai/overview/)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*