Kodama - The Short Film About Modern Samurai is Free on YouTube

An explosive mix of Japanese folklore, martial arts, and contemporary action. The short film Kodama, directed by independent filmmaker Brian M. Tang, is available for free on YouTube: fifteen minutes of spectacular fights and supernatural atmospheres.

Produced in 2023, the project imagines a decidedly original premise: an elite unit of modern samurai that combines ancient warrior tradition with operational tactics similar to those of SWAT teams. The group is sent on a mission to rescue one of its members trapped in the spirit world, where an evil creature threatens to cross the boundary between the two realities.

Here's the full short film

The work focuses primarily on action. The combat sequences alternate between katana duels, firearms, and acrobatic choreography executed with great precision. Despite its short duration, the result is a burst of adrenaline that recalls the aesthetics of martial arts cinema and fantasy productions linked to Japanese folklore.

The cast includes Brandon Soo Hoo, Chris Tashima, Justin Chien, Alexander Lee, and Bruce Inaba. Stunt coordinator Jay Kwon, a professional also involved in Marvel productions such as The Punisher, Iron Fist, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Thanks to its release on YouTube, Kodama can be watched for free and represents an interesting curiosity for fans of action and Japanese culture. The narrative idea and setting have also prompted many viewers to imagine a possible expansion of the story into a feature film.