Punk Samurai (2018) - Third Window Films Review
Welcome to Sensei Sensibility! You are the hungry mind yearning to devour quality Asian cinema; I am the (questionably) knowledgeable Sensei, more than happy to satiate your cinematic appetite.
"Is this literature, or a prank?" - Masahiro Higashide
Gakuryu Ishii's 2018 movie adaptation of Ko Machida's novel Punk Samurai Slash Down - how the hell do I review this without sounding like I've been licking hallucinogenic toads?
Let us start at the beginning, dear readers.
Picture it:
Rural feudal Japan. A purple haze rolls over the mountains of the Kuroae domain.
The camera surfs along with the rock 'n' roll soundtrack.
A lone samurai and a ne'er do-well cross (exquisitely framed) paths. The ne'er do-well is obviously a member of the troublesome "Bellyshaker Party" and must be cut down by the lone samurai.
And in an explosion of blood worthy of a Tokyo Gore flick, we are introduced to the potty-mouthed, "superhuman swordsman", Kake Junoshin (played by the extremely gorgeous Go Ayano.)
Except...
"CRAP A DOODLE DO!"
That wasn't a member of the Bellyshaker Party, that was just some auld fella and his blind daughter begging for alms - looks like our hero is now an accidental murderer. How's he gonna get out of that one!?
Better save his skin by teaming up with some crooked feudal retainers, form a motely crew of hilarious local misfits, and embark upon a hairbrained scheme to get rid of the real/fake/real again/no, fake? Bellyshaker Party rebels, thus stopping the end of the world, (any maybe getting the girl?) then!
(Monkeys, optional.)
Confused, but intrigued?
Welcome to Punk Samurai.
For those expecting a dignified, respectful ode to the honour bound lives and deeds of samurai, forget it. Punk Samurai is an anarchic parody powerhouse, with the fourth wall breaking comedy and derisive self awareness of Blazing Saddles.
I've been in awe of Ishii since watching his 2000 DIY cult movie Electric Dragon 80.000V, and always wondered what an obvious genius like Ishii could do with a big budget.
This is it.
Where Electric Dragon was a low-budget black and white affair, starring a modest cast of just two, Punk Samurai is a technicolour, sensory bombardment, featuring a vibrant cast of well known names such as Jun Kunimura and Kiyohiko Shibukawa.
(However, like Electric Dragon, the comic book style narration and text cards are utilised again for that fun retro feel.)
In Samurai, the viewer is treated to a comical yet complex storyline of dark plots, political subterfuge and an inversion of classic samurai tropes; social commentary on the link between poverty and religious fanaticism; highly choreographed Bollywood style mass dance scenes; sumptuous period costuming and authentic set design; sophisticated cinematography and a feast of mixed media art, animation and - no joke - puppets.
(And who knew a craze of grotesque belly dancing could lead to a chaotic break down of society!?)
Go Ayano positively glows in his role as the sullen, self-serving egotistical coward Kake, and his facial reactions, both verbal and silent, are priceless. His physical prowess during his intense marital arts scenes deserve a special mention.
Kake is challenged to a high-octane dual by the blue haired, black nail polish wearing (putting the Punk in Punk Samurai) ronin Manabe Gosenro (Jun Murakami). In a dazzling feat of fightography, both chaps expertly perform their own acrobatic stunts, and what stunts they are!
Never before have I seen such fight moves as:
"Stealth Sandal Flip"
"No Make Up Reception Girl"
"Horrific Human Firepan"
And a personal favourite:
"Lethal Balls On Balls"
It's not all kick-arse action, schoolboy toilet humour, and witty quips between a cast whose obvious off-screen camaraderie flows delightfully onto on-screen. There are moments of tenderness between assassin Egere no Konji (Kiyohiko Shibukawa) and the "Madonna"-like Ron (Keiko Kitagawa).
Or is the tenderness one-sided, and unrequited? Perhaps the graceful Ron has fallen for another, and will perhaps make a stab at Kake...?
The real love story for me was between legend Jun Kunimura and Hentaro.
Jun's portrayal of disgraced feudal retainer Ohura, who falls out of favour with his Lord Kuroae (the fantastically dead pan Masahiro Higashide), and is then sent to the far-flung Hedaka Village to be the Monkey Commissioner at the Bureau of Monkey Affairs - again, no joke - is sublime.
"I work, sleep, and live with monkeys"
"How dare you shit on a chief retainer!"
His initial disdain for the role followed by his growing bond with his monkey ward, Hentaro, is a joy to watch. In the extra features Kunimura expresses his deep fondness and attachment for his furry co-star.
However, like with every epic feudal movie, it can be hard to keep track of everyone's names and secret alliances; and the (over-long) plot deviates sharply from a playful period piece to a psychedelic sci-fi oddity. I could have done without the bonkers sci-fi elements and would have preferred if it had just been a straight forward samurai parody, akin to Top Knot Detective.
However, as we find out on the bonus features from author Ko Machida himself (who starred in a cameo role as Ron's father), Machida never thought anyone would ever be able to adapt his original text for movie. He follows on to say that if anyone could adapt his book to film, it was Ishii.
It's not just Machida (and myself) in awe of the director. In the special Third Window Films blu-ray behind-the-scenes footage we hear the cast speak of Ishii and his script with the utmost reverence. Although, true to character, Go Ayano admits with a smirk that his initial reaction to the script was "what the hell is this!?"
The behind-the-scenes footage provides fascinating insight into both the technical and creative aspect of the filming process.
Punk Samurai was clearly a riotous labour of love between both cast and crew.
Filmed during an intense summer heatwave, it's heartening for the viewer to see everyone in a permanent fit of giggles in-between lines and during scenes. Even the director himself is seen wiping hysterical tears from his eyes. (And apparently the wonderfully grotesque Tadanobu Asano ad-libbed from the start!)
Unique and utterly ludicrous, Punk Samurai is an effortlessly cool wild ride.
And in times of existential crisis, why not draw strength from Kake Junoshin's philosophical words:
"I AM THE PUNK SAMURAI!!!"
Finally available to watch outside of Japan for the first time, (yes, THE FIRST TIME!) you'd be a monkey to miss out on this Third Window Films release, alongside their equally exclusive release of Electric Dragon 80.000V.
Perfect for fans of: Shinya Tsukamoto's Gemini and Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle
Let's keep the nerdy chat going on:
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