Lance Mungia
Six string samurai

In the troubled world of cinema, as indeed in music, art, and generally in everyday life, our superhero directors, singers, and others find themselves (..selves) genetically diversified from the very concept of astonishing, bewildering, confusing, and amazing for motivations and purposes at least vital. Never has there been a daredevil who wished to take the path of making films without being forcibly flattered (by motivated choice). Some prefer a fortunate and slick career made up of works of any genre but trendy and mass-oriented to make money. Some claim their divine belonging by proving themselves superior in everything. Some are simply clueless but don't know it. But thinking about it, none of this damn matters and it's something else entirely. Right in the midst of this whirlwind of existential concepts that shine in a fraction of a second but with intensity equal to that of a Quasar, enters our different hero Buddy (Jeffrey Falcon), in the cinematic jewel I'm about to review, namely Six-String Samurai, masterfully directed by the independent filmmaker Lance Mungia.

This more than good little film is set in a future post-apocalyptic America fallen into disgrace due to various bombings caused, unsurprisingly, by those communist of the old USSR. The city of Lost Vegas, the only oasis left independent from the crushing embrace of the comradeship, amidst a radioactive desert full of ruins, mourns the death of their beloved monarch Elvis. Buddy, a master swordsman and exceptional guitarist, upon learning of a contest reserved exclusively for virtuosos of the six strings to re-elect the new king, will have to face a thousand adventures to reach Lost Vegas in time and earn the coronation.

The viewer will inevitably be catapulted into a magical world full of parodies and bizarre characters, enriched by an excellent screenplay and a respectable cinematography. The setting is simply timeless and Death is truly frightening... the soundtrack in some cases, a bit too oppressive, boasts songs in pure rockabilly style. There are also moments of emotional pathos, especially at the end, involving a somewhat slow orphan boy and plenty of communists to fight. But beware, this last parody should not be interpreted as 100% pro-U.S.A. political propaganda. Rather, it's a belonging to a certain artistic individualism to which not only does the good Mungia rightfully claim, but simultaneously he wants us to glimpse and remember that not many travel that tortuous path.

Will our fearless hero succeed in completing such a mission? Boo, I don't know, watch it, download it, whatever, you decide.

PS: Strictly prohibited to give 5 stars to the review, even more prohibited to give 1 to the work, otherwise, you're damn troglodyte bastards.

Oh, I almost forgot, antanisblindola to everyone.