New York-Tokyo invites you to a special preview screening of:
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO - EPISODES 1-3
Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop)
Animation and Character Design by Kazuto Nakazawa (Kill Bill)
Thursday, October. 21st, 8pm
Tribeca Grand Hotel Grand Theater
2 Avenue of the Americas, NYC
Free
RSVP to film@newyork-tokyo.com
How can a man who brought cowboys and 60's jazz to the farthest reaches of the solar system top himself? Imagine The Wu-Tang Clan directing Toshiro Mifune, and you're off to a good start. Famed anime director Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for his massive crossover hit series Cowboy Bebop,
has once again concocted a special blend of international culture and art, and turned it into an explosive anime series with something for everyone.
At times intense and exciting, emotional, and uproariously funny, Samurai Champloo is a major phenomenon in Japan, and is already set for a US release next January. Geneon Video, seeing something special on the way, snatched up the series, though even now it hasn't yet finished airing in Japan! With Cowboy Bebop in regular rotation on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, Watanabe and his unique anime style have become something of a household name amongst the growing anime market in the US, and Samurai Champloo is certain to take it even further.
The story of three travelers in Tokugawa era Japan, Samurai Champloo follows the exploits of Jin and Mugen, polar opposites in personality but equally skilled wandering swordsmen, and their feisty female counterpart Fuu. Upon crossing paths one day at the tea shop where Fuu works, the fate of the three become intertwined as Jin and Mugen decide to help Fuu search for the mysterious "Samurai who smells like sunflowers."
Along the way Watanabe pays homage to classic Samurai stories passed down through the centuries, as well as some of the classic Samurai on celluloid from the past 50 years. Not forgetting to stir things up, a hefty dose of hip-hop flavor is thrown into the mix, as we see Samurai with sunglasses, cutting edge haircuts, and even impressive beat-boxing skills. With a dash of attitude, fancy sword and footplay, DJ-inspired cuts between scenes, and a color palette leaping off of the screen, it's nearly impossible to take your eyes off Samurai Champloo.
If you simply can't wait until January to see what all the fuss is about, then mark your calendars for Thursday, October 21st. New York-Tokyo is proud to be hosting a special preview screening of the first three episodes of the 26 part series, in the plush locale of the Tribeca Grand Hotel Screening Room. Thanks to Geneon, we will all soon get to know Jin, Mugen, and Fuu very well, but if you dare, come and be the first to meet them on October 21st!
