Lone Samurai (2025) is an international action-drama from Indonesia/Japan/Portugal/USA that reimagines a samurai epic as a brutal survival fable. The film is written and directed by Josh C. Waller and stars Shogen (credited as Shogen Ito) with Yayan Ruhian in a central role.
Lone Samurai follows Riku (played by Shogen), a violent and reckless ronin (masterless samurai) from the 13th century. After a devastating shipwreck, Riku finds himself stranded and isolated on a remote, seemingly deserted island. Cut off from civilization and haunted by the ghosts of his past—including a romantic interest he left behind—Riku initially contemplates ritual suicide, seeing no purpose left in his solitary existence.
However, the discovery that he is not alone forces him to fight for survival. The island is home to a brutal tribe of cannibals, who abduct him. This clash with “external demons” awakens his suppressed will to live and forces him into a brutal spiritual trial where the line between meditation, madness, and reality blurs. The film explores themes of solitude, redemption, and the shifting code of honor in a world of pure chaos.
Lone Samurai Age Rating
Lone Samurai is rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violence and gore. This signals explicit physical harm and graphic imagery that are intended for adult audiences and not appropriate for children or most teens.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Lone Samurai is strong and central to the film’s tone. The movie depicts close-quarters combat, ritualistic brutality, and graphic wounds that are shown on screen rather than merely implied. Peril is constant: the protagonist is isolated, hunted, and subjected to tortures and scenes that many viewers will find intense and upsetting. The overall atmosphere is grim and survival-driven, with sequences designed to shock and unsettle rather than comfort.
Language
Language is present but not the film’s dominant issue; the primary content warning remains its violent imagery. Occasional strong profanity may appear, particularly in moments of extreme stress or confrontation, but the film’s impact comes mostly from its visuals and actions. Subtitled or bilingual passages are used in some festival screenings, given the international cast and production.
Mature Themes
Lone Samurai explores heavy themes, including extreme isolation, suicide ideation, trauma, hallucination, and the psychological unravelling of a warrior. The film also engages with ritual, revenge, and moral collapse in survival conditions. There are disturbing cultural depictions (cannibalism) and mental-health elements that require careful parental framing. Sexual content and nudity are not central elements noted in publicity — the mature material is primarily physical and psychological.
Is Lone Samurai Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s graphic violence, gore, and disturbing imagery are inappropriate for preteens and could be traumatic. The psychological intensity and depictions of ritual violence make this clearly unsuitable.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Younger teens may be especially sensitive to the gore and the film’s bleak tone. If a parent is considering permitting viewing, they should pre-screen the film and be prepared to discuss the violent imagery and themes of trauma.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Mature older teens (16–17) who are accustomed to intense films might handle the content, but parents should consider the teen’s emotional maturity and previous exposure to graphic violence. Discuss the themes of survival, mental health, and the difference between cinematic violence and reality before and after viewing.
Final recommendation: Lone Samurai is best reserved for adults (18+) or older, emotionally mature teens who have parental guidance and a parent who has pre-screened the film.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself and decide if your teen can emotionally handle graphic violence; watch with them if you choose to allow it.
- Prepare to pause and discuss: explain the difference between cinematic stylization and real-world harm, and address any depictions of ritual or cultural practices to reduce misinterpretation.
- Debrief after viewing: ask how the film made your teen feel, talk about themes of trauma and isolation, and provide support or stop the conversation if they appear distressed.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Lone Samurai rated and why?
A: Lone Samurai is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore; the rating reflects graphic combat and disturbing imagery.
Q: Is Lone Samurai appropriate for teens?
A: Generally no for younger teens; older teens (16–17) may view with parental guidance and pre-screening.
Q: Are there particularly scary or disturbing scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains intense, graphic violence and sequences meant to unsettle, including depictions of cannibalism used as a core element of peril.
Q: Is there strong language or sexual content?
A: Strong language may appear occasionally, but sexual content is not the primary concern; graphic physical violence is.
Q: Where and when will Lone Samurai be released?
A: The film is scheduled for a limited U.S. theatrical release on December 12, 2025, distributed by Well Go USA. Festival screenings occurred earlier in the year.
Q: Where can I find more information or check for a trailer?
A: Look for updates on the distributor’s site (Well Go USA), major ticketing sites, and festival pages; these sources list screening dates and any trailers when released.