Samurai: Behind the Blade 2008

Devotion before honor, Duty before pride.

Directed by Roger Pyke

Japan's ancient samurai tradition is chronicled in this hourlong documentary, which looks to history, science and literature to answer questions about the legacy and mysterious lives of the warrior aristocracy. The film examines some of the truths behind the mask, including the samurais' preoccupation with death, their impressive mastery of fine arts and their code of honor -- which carried a heavy price.