This event is part of Forbidden Worlds Film Festival 2026. Visit www.forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk to see the full line-up as well as buy Weekend/Day Passes.

Dir: Kinji Fukasaku | Japan | 136 mins | Cert. 15

Combining classical Samurai historical drama with supernatural fantastical elements including witches, demons and magical weapons, The Legend of the 8 Samurai was a box office sensation when it was first released.

Directed by the legendary Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), the film brings together an impressive ensemble cast, including Hiroko Yakushimaru (Sailor Suit and Machine Gun), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai, Shogun), Etsuko Shihomi (The Street Fighter) and iconic martial artist Sonny Chiba!

Yakushimaru stars as Princess Shizu, the last survivor of the Satomi Clan who have been all-but wiped out by their mortal enemies: the ghoulish members of the undead Hikita Clan. Desperate to avoid meeting the same fate as her family, Shizu seeks out allies including farmer-turned-soldier Shinbei (Sanada), and a motley crew of warriors to help her lift the curse that has been placed upon her family.

With swords, sorcery plus a synth and soft rock soundtrack that has to be heard to be believed, the film is a classic fantasy epic that deserves to be seen on the big screen.

The film will be introduced by film critic Katie Smith-Wong.

The film will be screened in its original Japanese with English subtitles from Eureka Classics’ 4K restoration.