Recently on the cable network, I had the opportunity to watch an old movie that I had put off for some time. When my friend, Martin D. M. King used to talk about movies, there came one (among many) that he always enjoyed on so many different levels.
The late Mr. King had very refined and eclectic tastes, and in essence, he understood the crux of entertainment.
While watching the movie, I could feel him nearby. There were many elements that struck his fancy, many things that were amusing and things significant. It was like I was watching it with him in the room, hearing his laughter and anecdotes.
The Movie is called “Six String Samurai”, starring Jeffrey Falcon as the taciturn, enigmatic hero. It’s a cute little Independent film that some would call ‘campy’ or ‘cheesy’. Either way, don’t look for a deep plot or ‘stellar performances’. If you view it ‘tongue-in-cheek’, you’ll enjoy it. Think Samurai film with the humor of Mel Gibson’s ‘Road Warrior’. (I never cared much for ‘Mad Max’ or ‘Thunderdome’. They just never made my dogs bark…)
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Anyways, the movie starts off explaining that the bomb was dropped back during World War II. In the aftermath the Russians took over in the apocalyptic remains. The last bastion of American civilization was ‘Lost Vegas’, where Elvis Presley reigned as a self proclaimed King. When he died, he left and empty throne, bereft of an heir. From this point arose many who sought the title as new King. They traveled far and wide for the chance to be crowned the next King of Rock and Roll.
We follow the journey of ‘Buddy’, the Six String Samurai. Looking like a weathered ‘Buddy Holly’, this guy wields a mean sword. His first fight is when he comes to the rescue of a boy whose mother was killed by a band of evil marauding mutants.
(What post-apocalyptic movie is complete without evil, marauding mutants?!?)
The kid decides to follow Buddy, although our hero makes it clear that the kid isn’t wanted. This kid just yells in an annoying fashion like a retard, instead of talking.
Not that the kid is completely useless, mind you. He manages to steal someone’s car, while Buddy is being challenged by a team of bowling-themed assassins.
After the kid is left with a family of cannibal rejects from a 50’s sit-com, he then gets a broken down motorcycle working, bringing the two closer to their goal.
Oh, did I forget to mention that a top hat wearing, Guitar slinging Death is also jockeying for the position of King? Yep, he’s in it too, and he’s cutting down all opposition.
One of my friend Martin’s high point is that the music score is accompanied by one of his favorite rock group: The Red Elvises.
He had the pleasure of meeting them as they visited the Philadelphia area. They are a Russian Rock band that plays a unique brand of music that sounds like an alternative beach guitar sound. They also make an appearance in the beginning, with intentions on doing Buddy harm. Check out their music if and when you get the chance.
Anyways, enjoy the sword play, especially the climax, when Buddy takes on the entire Russian Army, who have Lost Vegas cordoned off.
Like I said, there are better, deeper movies out there, but for action and fun, this one is pretty good! It has heart and if you have any imagination, you’ll have fun with it too.
At worst, this’ll become one of your ‘guilty pleasures’, like ‘Buckaroo Banzai’ or ‘Scanners’.
Six String Samurai. Check it out. If not for yourself, then for the memory of our dear friend Martin King…
Six String Samurai
A post Martin King Movie Review
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