Bunraku 2011

In a vivid and intense dystopian world, where firearms are strictly forbidden and punishable by death, the sword reigns supreme. We are introduced to Nicola the Woodcutter, a notorious crime lord with unyielding power east of the Atlantic, who navigates his dark underworld with the assistance of his enigmatic partner, Alexandra, a seductive femme fatale harboring a mysterious history. Together, they command an army of nine diverse assassins and the formidable Red Gang, instilling fear among the populace. The citizens cower under the oppressive control of this ruthless group, anxiously anticipating the emergence of a hero brave enough to challenge Nicola’s tyrannical rule.

On an unexpected evening, a mysterious drifter stumbles into the Horseless Horseman Saloon, owned by a local insurgent bartender. This enigmatic figure craves two things: a shot of whisky and the chance to eliminate Nicola. Shortly thereafter, another stranger arrives—a skilled samurai named Yoshi, who seeks to restore honor to his clan by reclaiming a stolen talisman that belonged to his father. With their fates intertwined, Yoshi and the drifter, each possessing remarkable fighting prowess, receive guidance from the wise bartender. Thus, they reluctantly form an alliance to dismantle the corrupt regime of Nicola, embarking on a perilous journey that includes bone-breaking skirmishes and thrilling confrontations in pursuit of their formidable foe.

The film artfully merges elements of samurai cinema, spaghetti westerns, and chop socky genres, crafting a vibrant tableau that is both spectacular and surreal. The atmosphere of Bunraku draws on influences from neo-noir, German expressionism, and Russian futurism, creating a whimsical visual spectacle reminiscent of an ever-changing pop-up book made from origami. This dynamic universe is propelled by raw physicality, showcasing exhilarating combat sequences delivered in an audacious and flamboyant style that leaves viewers captivated.