Kamui is an expert ninja who strongly desires his freedom and consequently breaks away from his warrior clan. Unfortunately for our headstrong hero (played by Ken’ichi Matsuyama – “Death Note”, “Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler”), such actions are forbidden and expose him to a deadly fatwa. He must spend the rest of his life trying to outrun, outfox or kill those sent to execute him.

During his travels he comes across a peaceful fishing village on a tropical island. Whilst he initially distrusts everyone around him, he gradually comes to accept the villagers and even begins to think he might finally be able to settle down. Meanwhile, a suspect gang of shark-hunting pirates lands on the island and offers their services. Kamui joins their ranks to help out but trouble is never far behind.

“Codename: Kyril” comes from an era where espionage menace comes from the deadly silence of its protagonists. This mini-series offers complex characterisations and an intelligent treatment of the theme of trust and betrayal. It’s not from the James Bond crash-bang school of spying, having been adapted by the award-winning John Hopkins – whose previous credits include “Smiley’s People” and Z Cars. One of the Executive Producers is Primetime Emmy Award winner Patrick Dromgoole (Robin of Sherwood). This release presents the complete two-part mini-series (usually only seen in a radically edited ‘TV movie’ form), originally screened in 1988.

Edward Woodward (Callan and The Equalizer) stars opposite Ian Charleson (“Chariots of Fire”) in this taut and skilfully plotted Cold War thriller. Providing star-studded support are the likes of Joss Ackland, Peter Vaughan, Richard E Grant and Denholm Elliott.