Lone Samurai is a new release and a slow burn but once it ignites the second half is full of epic fights. After defeating the crew of an invading ship, the samurai Riku (Shogen) is shipwrecked on an island. He spends time observing children playing on the island and considers Seppuku. But, when kidnapped by an island tribe, he decides to fight back.
First, he survives brutal wounds on the shore. Then he discovers some of the island’s beauty. But, once he’s in the tribe’s cave, it’s on. The leader of the tribe is played by The Raid’s Yayan Ruhian, but Riku defeats many underlings before working his way up to him. And even then it’s not quite over.
The fights are a compelling mix of samurai swordplay and modified martial arts. Ruhian isn’t doing pure Silat per se. It’s adapted to what an isolated island tribe might have developed.
On 4K UHD the fights are set against a beautiful backdrop. It opens on the dark and stormy boat below deck. Only lightning briefly illuminates the deep corners of the boat. Then Riku washes up on a bright beach. The tribe’s caves also provide deep shadows but once he escapes, most of the action is daylight exterior.
If you want to see these visuals in black and white, that is offered in HD. It’s still striking, especially the contrast between the daylight and dark caves.
There is some noticeable surround sound with waves crashing in the rear, rain in the jungle and forest sounds with all the chirping. It effectively places you on the island with Riku, and really gives you time to get acclimated before all hell breaks loose.