Watch Bunraku
- R
- 2011
- 1 hr 58 min
-
6.1 (20,590)
Bunraku is a unique, visually stunning action-fantasy film that takes place in a hyper-stylized, futuristic version of Asia, in which guns have been banned and knives rule the streets. The film is directed by Guy Moshe and stars Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, and Gackt Camui, and blends elements of classic samurai and western films with a modern, graphic novel-inspired aesthetic.
The film follows a lone drifter (Josh Hartnett) who arrives in a city ruled by the ruthless crime lord, Nicola (Ron Perlman). In this city, every gang has its own color, and Nicola's gang is the most powerful, wearing black. The drifter, who carries a samurai sword that he's not afraid to use, quickly finds himself caught up in the violent underworld of the city. He befriends a bartender (Woody Harrelson), who knows more than he lets on, and a beautiful courtesan (Demi Moore), who harbors a dark secret of her own.
The story is told in a unique style that combines live action with puppetry and animation, giving the film a surreal, dreamlike quality. The production design is also a standout, with the city's neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers serving as a vibrant backdrop for the action.
Despite the film's comic book-inspired visuals, it also has a serious side, tackling themes of vengeance, loss, and the cycle of violence that permeates the criminal underworld. However, these themes are balanced out with moments of humor and lightheartedness, thanks in part to a memorable performance by Harrelson as the eccentric bartender.
Overall, Bunraku is an ambitious, one-of-a-kind film that defies easy categorization. Whether you're a fan of samurai movies, westerns, or graphic novels, there's something in this film for everyone.
Bunraku is a 2011 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 28.