Six-String Samurai is one of those films that may never make it into the halls of cinema greatness, but it’s a fun watch nonetheless. Especially if you like post-apocalyptic psychobilly and swordplay.

The story, set in an alternate history, starts off by informing the viewer that in 1957 Russia launched several nuclear warheads on the U.S., thus making most of the country a desert wasteland. The only safe place left is Las Vegas, now known as Lost Vegas, and Elvis has been crowned king by its inhabitants. Sadly, 40 years later, Elvis has just passed away and left a power vacuum behind him. Musicians from all over the country are now making their way to Lost Vegas in the hopes of becoming the next King, even Death himself. The catch is that it’s either kill or be killed on your way to Vegas if you want to be The King.

Buddy, the anti-hero of the story, bears a remarkable resemblance to Buddy Holly. First shown cutting down a group of would-be attackers, he proves himself to be as good with his sword as he is with his guitar.

The kid in the story, name simply as “Kid”, starts off the movie with virtually no verbal skills aside from some sort of moan that reminds you of a learning-disabled deaf person trying to pass a six pound turd. Later on, however, shows himself to be useful when it comes to broken down automobiles. He manages to steal a car, fix a motorcycle, and be needy to the point of bordering on a mental disorder.

Death, who bears more than a passing likeness to Slash from Guns ‘N’ Roses, is also on his way to Vegas to claim the crown. He’s also actively hunting down all other musicians who are out for the same goal, and collecting their guitar picks.

The entire story is punctuated periodically with an on-air DJ who sounds a lot like Wolfman Jack, and I believe even calls himself “The Wolfman” at one point. He’s the one who calls all musical virtuosos to Lost Vegas to become the new King of Rock & Roll at the beginning of the movie.

This movie isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, as I stated before, it’s a pretty campy flick about guitars, rock and roll, and swords. If you like that sort of thing though, like I do, then this might just be a great flick for you. If swords aren’t your thing then how about a cannibal 50’s style family, space-suit sporting windmill people, bowling bounty hunters, midgets, and a variety of other strange and and oddly memorable characters?

In addition to having some of the strangest characters that I’ve seen in a long time, this movie also has something else I don’t believe any other film has. The Red Elvises, a rock band whose members are all from Soviet States, except for the drummer.

All in all, this movie has some great music, decent choreography, snappy dialogue, and pretty good cinematography. If you don’t buy it, definitely rent it. It’s no wonder this one has become a cult classic.

If you liked that, try...

1. Cult Classics: The Princess Bride
2. Cult Classics: The Goonies
3. Cult Classics: The Monster Squad
4. Cult Classics: Hackers
5. Comic to Film Comparison: 300

2 Comments »

1. 
   Kim Novak
   July 21, 2007 at 6:18 pm

   I LOVE THIS MOVIE, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT ON SCREEN AGAIN. I LOVE ELVIS AND BUDDY…KISS KISS

   QUESTION? IS SSS AN OFFICIAL CULT MOVIE.

   [Reply]

2. 
   Migo
   July 22, 2007 at 7:11 pm

   I believe it has actually achieved cult film status. I’m not sure if there are official criteria or not, but I’d be willing to wager that this flick meets most of them if they exist.

   [Reply]

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