Six-String Samurai (1998)

Where to begin? Imagine a movie inspired from Mad Max and Samurai movies directed by Quentin Tarantino based on a story written by Philip K. Dick. Close enough? 'Six-String Samurai' is oddball action adventure film that takes place in the post-apocalyptic universe where the finest guitarists are also fine swordsmen and martial artists. The film is filled with references to film classics (starting from 'El Topo' and finishing with 'Star Wars'), bizarre characters, weirdness and well staged fighting scenes. The last one can be attributed to the film's writer and main star Jeffrey Falcon's real martial arts skills. In general, the film takes itself as what it is - low budgeted science-fiction. Not too serious and pretentious, and at the same time carefully avoiding the territories on tasteless banality. Films like this tend to be more fun and enjoyable to the cast and crew, than the viewer. 'Six-String Samurai' is the rare exception - the film is highly enjoyable romp. And with every scene, the true heart and soul of the filmmakers can be felt. Perfect example of when you don't have big budgets, but have enormous amounts of imagination.

During my pre-teen years, I regarded "Six String Samurai" as a fantastic science fiction thriller in the spirit of "Hokuto No Ken" ("Fist of the North Star" for all of you fellow Western Hemisphere fans out there). I first saw a trailer of SSS on AXN Action TV while I was living in the Philippines. I didn't see the actual movie until when I first moved to California. Ever since then, I grew fond of the Red Elvises band and the movie itself until "Top Gun" knocked it off my #1 list.The story follows four-eyed Buddy (a combination of Kenshiro and Buddy Holly equipped with a katana and a six-string guitar) and his child companion Kid (most likely inspired by Bat from FOTNS) as they venture through the post-apocalyptic wasteland in order to reach "Lost Vegas," the last piece of paradise in the world. During their journey, they encounter countless thugs ranging from the Soldiers of the Fallen Communist Party (Southern Cross's "Soldiers of God") to Buddy's ultimate rival Death (Raoh+Ozzy Osbourne).The fight choreography is magnificent along with the vibe that comes along with life in a world devastated by a great nuclear war, which excellently borrow Tetsuo Hara and Buronson's animated masterpiece. I would recommend this movie to any sci-fi fan anytime.

Aside from a heart pumping and catchy soundtrack which only serves to embed the imagery into the mind of the audience, this well done film offers up many memorable quotes alongside the humor which is sometimes so subtle, it takes a moment for the concept to hit. As previously stated, this was very well written and shows that the overall sum of a movie's greatness does not stem from the film's multi-million dollar budget, or that Hollywood's over-paid and untalented (but very well-known) actors, are always only hype. B-Movies are a dying breed and in my opinion all about doing the best with what you have...not doing a lot, because you can afford it. I recommend this movie to all my friends, and ultimately, the only issue that arises is the sheer annoyance of the Kid and the eventual destruction of the hero.

** HERE BE SPOILERS ** Recap: There has been a nuclear war. America is reduced to a wasteland with mutants, freaks and cavemen roaming free. There is just one place were civilization thrives, Lost Vegas. And the king of Lost Vegas, Elvis, has just died. Now, every guitar playing weapon wielding musician with any self respect is making a journey to Vegas to claim the throne. Buddy is one, Death is another. Buddy is a legendary musician that has somewhat of a drinking problem, and his journey becomes so much harder when he rescues a little boy from gum throwing cavemen. The kid tags along and a odd bond develops between the two. Death and his arrow shooting band members is out to kill every opponent, and soon Buddy is the only one left...Comment: This is a very odd and peculiar movie, that at a first glance has a really poor story and acting. Costumes and scenery are not that great either, except for Death's and Buddy's. But as the movie goes along I discovered that the quality of camera movement and editing was high and that the story actually was full of references not present in a poor written story. So there is one conclusion to draw, this is a low budget b-movie that tries to be just that and nothing else. And it succeeds brilliantly. The story and acting, still peculiar, is actually entertaining and Buddy is a great character. The kid is annoying sometimes, unfortunately, but I thought that it got better as the movie went along. In the end I was very happy I had rented and seen this movie...7/10