Samurai Cop Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A long-haired cop who barely knows karate and has a wig fights a Yakuza gang with a white guy playing a Japanese villain and the worst fight choreography ever conceived.

🍿 Samurai Cop: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Katana Gang’s Reign of Terror

The Katana, a ruthless Yakuza gang, has Los Angeles in its grip, dealing in drugs, gambling, and prostitution. The city is in peril as they expand their control. The Los Angeles Police Department is struggling to contain their violence and influence.

Enter Joe Marshall: The Samurai Cop

To combat the Katana, the LAPD brings in Detective Joe Marshall, a Japanophile with expert knowledge of the samurai code. Joe is partnered with Officer Frank Washington, and they prepare to take on Fuji Fujiyama and his deadly lieutenant, Yamashita.

Confrontation and Chaos

Joe and Frank engage in a series of increasingly absurd confrontations with the Katana. Over-the-top action sequences, questionable dialogue, and bizarre plot twists ensue as the duo tries to dismantle Fujiyama’s operation. The film culminates in a final showdown where the fate of Los Angeles hangs in the balance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Marshall (Mathew Karedas): A Japanophile and katana-wielding cop who joins the LAPD to stop the Katana gang.
• Frank Washington (Mark Frazer): Joe Marshall’s partner, a streetwise cop who provides backup and comic relief.
• Yamashita (Robert Z’Dar): The lethal right-hand man to the Katana boss, known for his brutality and imposing figure.
• Fujiyama (Cranston Komuro): The Katana boss seeking to control the drug trade in Los Angeles.
• Jennifer (Janis Farley): A key female character who becomes involved in the conflict between the police and the Katana gang.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe Marshall: “Now I’m telling these son-of-a-bitches that we respect the Japanese of this country, who are honest businessmen.” – A speech given by Joe Marshall expressing his respect for honest Japanese businessmen while threatening the criminal element.
• Joe Marshall: “I love what I see.” – Said by Joe Marshall to a nurse in a hospital, during a moment of inappropriate, sexually charged dialogue.
• Joe Marshall: “Before your last suit even gets off the court clerk’s desk, I’ll have their stinking bodies in garbage bags and ship them back to Japan for fertilizer. Got it?” – Joe Marshall angrily tells a lawyer about the fate that awaits the drug-dealing Yakuza members.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $384,756
• Worldwide Gross: $386,821

💥 Samurai Cop Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Samurai Cop is a total train wreck, but in the best way possible. I laughed so hard throughout the whole thing! The wig, the random nudity, the terrible acting… it’s all gold. I remember watching it with a group of friends, and we were quoting lines for weeks. If you’re looking for a serious action movie, run far away. But if you’re ready to embrace the absurdity, it’s a must-watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cult films”
  • “Lovers of ‘so bad it’s good’ movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate unintentional comedy”
  • “Those interested in low-budget filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual innuendo”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While not professionally reviewed, Samurai Cop is a cult classic celebrated for its so-bad-it’s-good qualities. The low budget, questionable acting, and bizarre plot points make it a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
• IMDB: “While the official rating isn’t high, many viewers find Samurai Cop hilarious due to its ineptness. The bad acting, continuity errors, and absurd dialogue contribute to its cult status as a so-bad-it’s-good film.

Audience Reactions

The sheer absurdity of the movie makes it hilarious and highly entertaining.: Most viewers agree that Samurai Cop is a prime example of a ‘so bad it’s good’ movie, providing endless laughs.

Overall Consensus: Samurai Cop is widely considered a cult classic due to its numerous flaws, which ironically make it an incredibly entertaining and hilarious viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Due to budget constraints, director Amir Shervan had to shoot parts of the movie out of order. Lead actor Mathew Karedas (Matt Hannon) cut his long hair shortly after the initial filming, resulting in the infamous use of a noticeably cheap women’s wig in later scenes.”
• “Many of the fight scenes and stunts were filmed with sped-up кадры to appear more dynamic, contributing to the film’s overall campy feel.”
• “Robert Z’Dar, known for his distinctive chin and role in ‘Maniac Cop’, was cast as a Japanese henchman, Yamashita, adding to the film’s unintentional comedic effect.”

🖥️ How to Watch Samurai Cop?

As a cult classic, ‘Samurai Cop’ is available through various online retailers for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. Streaming availability may vary by region and platform, so check your local listings on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, or other digital rental/purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Samurai Cop, you might like these similar films:

• Miami Connection (1987): Similar low-budget action film with unintentionally hilarious dialogue, martial arts, and a serious tone that clashes with the overall absurdity.
• Maniac Cop (1988): Another low-budget cult classic action film, starring Robert Z’Dar in a very different role.
• Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991): Showdown in Little Tokyo shares the theme of cops battling the Yakuza in Los Angeles, but with higher production values and a more self-aware tone than Samurai Cop.
• The Room (2003): Considered one of the best-worst movies ever made, the room has a similarly dedicated cult following and is enjoyed for its many technical and narrative flaws.

🛒 Samurai Cop Related Products

• Samurai Cop: Deadly Vengeance [Blu-ray]: The long awaited sequel to the 1991 cult classic, Samurai Cop 2 finds Joe Marshall and Frank Washington teaming up once again to fight crime. This Blu-ray edition comes with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the original cast.
• “Samurai Cop” T-Shirt: Show your love for this cult classic with a T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film, such as the Samurai Cop logo or a memorable quote. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Robert Z’Dar Autographed Photo: Own a piece of movie history with an autographed photo of Robert Z’Dar as Yamashita from Samurai Cop. Each photo is individually signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
• Samurai Cop: The Board Game: Engage in the over-the-top action of Samurai Cop with this board game where you play as Joe Marshall and Frank Washington taking on the Katana gang. Complete with miniature figures and strategic gameplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

Samurai Cop features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by Alen Dermarderossian
• “Love Theme” – performed by Alen Dermarderossian

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How BAD is Samurai Cop??? (PART 1 of 2)

Ever heard of ‘so bad it’s good’? This review dives deep into why Samurai Cop might just be the poster child for that. Trust me, you’ll be laughing along with the reviewer’s hilarious takes!

The Tragic Case of Robert Z’Dar From Maniac Cop

Ever wonder about that unforgettable face in Samurai Cop? This video tells the fascinating and somewhat tragic story of Robert Z’Dar. It’s a surprisingly compelling look at a cult film icon.

The Best of Rifftrax – Samurai Cop Live

If you thought Samurai Cop was unintentionally funny, just wait ’til you hear Rifftrax tear it apart! This compilation is pure gold for anyone who loves a good laugh at a bad movie.

Samurai Cop Acting – Cringe

Prepare to cringe! This video compiles some of the most awkwardly hilarious acting moments from Samurai Cop. Seriously, you won’t believe what you’re seeing…or maybe you will!

✨ Rate