Documentary on THE SAMURAI`s Extreme Popularity in Australia Comes to DVD April 21st Source: Madman Entertainment
Beginning December 29th, 1964, an extraordinary cross-cultural TV sensation swept through the suburban lounge rooms of Australia. Senkosha Productions` THE SAMURAI (Onmitsu Kenshi, 1962-65) left an indelible impression on the children of the “swinging” sixties. Imported from Japan, dubbed into American-English it was a smash hit, astonishing broadcasters, advertisers, the press and critics alike. Never before, or since, has a show become such a cult hit and caused such controversy as THE SAMURAI. This 2009 documentary interviews prominent Australian SAMURAI lovers - such as comedian Steve Bedwell (FULL FRONTAL), writer/producer Santo Cilauro (The D-Generation) and Roy Slaven (comedian John Doyle) - to discover exactly why THE SAMURAI phenomenon caused such fervor across Australia.
SHINTARO! THE SAMURAI SENSATION THAT SWEPT A NATION
With the WWII Pacific conflict with Japan still fresh in the memories of most adult Australians, a TV show that was completely Japanese in traditional culture, dress, martial arts and violence appeared suddenly on Australian after-school screens. Within weeks, THE SAMURAI kicked THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB off it`s mantle to become the most popular children`s show in Australia. THE SAMURAI had many angry adult critics. Only 20 years before Australia had been in a life and death struggle with Japan. The bombing of Darwin, and the titanic fight against the Japanese Army in New Guinea were deeply ingrained in Australian culture. Channel Nine was bombarded with letters demanding the show be taken off air, but far outweighing the generational anger was the overwhelming response from children. The show was a ratings sensation.
For 30 minutes a day, 5 days week, Australian children watched their hero, Shintaro battle his mysterious Ninja enemies. On the surface, THE SAMURAI was about flashing swords and flying stars, but there was a strong moralistic value of good triumphing over evil; a Japanese version of heroes defeating villains in the style of the classic western. For the first time Australian children had access to a culture radically different from their own and they embraced it with vigor. In their minds it was theirs alone, and inaccessible to their parents. At the height of THE SAMURAI sensation, merchandising made a fortune. Children bought the Scanlen`s bubble gum collect-a-cards, toy samurai swords, ninja stars, and samurai and ninja costumes literally by the truck load. Those who couldn`t afford the merchandise, made their own. Dyed black pajamas became ninja costumes, kids made wooden samurai swords and tin lids were cut into ninja flying stars. In playgrounds and backyards, "cowboys and indians" was replaced by "samurais and ninjas". Home made, razor sharp flying stars were confiscated by parents and teachers across the country. In 1965, a Sydney promoter booked THE SAMURAI`s star, Koichi Ose (Shintaro), for a promotional tour and live action shows based on the series.
On Christmas Day 1965, Koichi Ose arrived from Japan and was greeted with a superstar`s welcome by 6,000 fans at Mascot Airport, many wearing ninja costumes. On the night of 5 January 1966, Ose flew to Melbourne to a deafening welcome from over 7,000 fans. He had no idea of his popularity and was completely overwhelmed. It was the biggest crowd at Essendon Airport since the arrival of The Beatles, a fact reported in the astonished Japanese press. Koichi Ose performed 12 shows in 15 days at the Sydney Stadium and at Festival Hall in Melbourne before returning to Japan. Before capacity crowds of 6,000 people he slew dragons and fought fight Ninjas to the delight of his young audience and their possibly bewildered parents. SHINTARO! THE SAMURAI SENSATION THAT SWEPT A NATION is a cultural exploration into how and why Australian children took so fanatically to a show from a radically different world. It looks at children`s perception and the equally profound perception of their parents and grandparents. THE SAMURAI has left an endearing legacy in the hearts and minds of the Australians who experienced a unique sensation which swept a nation. This is a unique Australian story which needed to be told. Director: Marco Sinigaglia Writers: Mark Hamlyn, Marco Sinigaglia Production: ScreenWorld Distribution: SBS Content Sales and Distribution Release Date: April 21st, 2010 Languages: English Genre: Documentary Runtime: 52 mins Format: DVD, All Regions (PAL)
About Madman Entertainment
Madman is a leading independent entertainment distribution and rights management company specializing in wholesale distribution of video and DVD movies into retail and rental stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. Other rights management activities undertaken by Madman include theatrical distribution as well as licensing for television, VOD, hotel, airline and merchandising. Madman is strongly niche focused and driven by staff who are passionate about their products. They are Australia`s leading distributor of anime, Australian and global independent film, Asian cinema, Bollywood, action sports and other special interest genres.