There is just something about the combinations of the
western and samurai film genres that can produce some real movie magic. They
have complemented each other over the decades and history is rife with great
examples of influences (Seven Samurai to Magnificent Seven) to mashups
(Sukiyaki Western Django and Red Sun(?)). Even when they do not work
spectacularly (The Warrior’s Way and Bunraku) there is no denying that the
themes, imagery and plot devices complement each other like few genres can.
So when the creators of the graphic novel R.E.M. Ryan
Colucci and Zsombor Huszka announce the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to
raise funds to complete their hand-drawn animated film Orient City: Ronin &
The Princess, then deliver an impressive opening scene, displaying their
talents and vision for the titular city, then I feel that we have only to
paraphrase that bastard Calvin Candie for this.
Gentlemen, you had our curiosity, now you have our
attention.
Orient City: Ronin & The Princess is a samurai
spaghetti western that features gorgeous hand-drawn animation mixed with
white-knuckle action. It mixes the characteristics of the American Wild West
with the architecture of Feudal Asia, inspired by the styles of steampunk and
anime. Traditional western haunts such as bars, brothels and barbershops
feature characteristics such as Chinese rooftops, dragon gargoyles, Chinese
lampions and bamboo construction stands.
Towering up through the clouds, Orient City was built
vertically on top of four rocks connected by the channels of water at their
base. A city whose poor dwell at the bottom, quite literally. They live in
favela-like neighborhoods, carved into the rock walls but featuring a distinct
oriental-style. As the city rises up, connected by stairways and cable cars, so
do the classes and high society lives an opulent, wasteful lifestyle above the
clouds.
At the center of it all is Boshi, a fallen samurai who
has sworn to protect a young girl whose family has been assassinated. Together
they head to Orient City for one thing… revenge.
Opening shot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAacXxga3Fo
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