Bunraku

On a world where guns no longer exist, a drifting loner crosses paths with a world weary bartender and a young samurai. They form a tense alliance to topple a ruthless warlord who rules with cold brutality. The plan hinges on exploiting the assassin network the tyrant uses to keep order, a cadre of nine killers each with a distinct style. As the trio weighs trust against danger, they move through smoky streets, shadowy taverns, and crowded arenas where a single misstep could mean death. The mood is grim and kinetic, mixing noir grit with stylized action, while the truth behind their vendetta stays just out of reach. Their plan is put to the test as loyalties are tested and danger closes in.

Directed by Guy Moshe, Bunraku arrived in 2010 with Boaz Davidson credited as creator. The production carried a 25 million budget and aimed for a stylized fusion of Western and samurai genres.

Box Office Revenue totaled around 129,706 worldwide, reflecting a very limited release and niche appeal. Despite the big names attached, the film found a small audience and did not become a commercial success. Its limited release status makes it easy to overlook in traditional box office tallies.

Even if Bunraku did not spark a broad cultural wave, its look and tone earned it a small following among genre fans. The film blends gunless combat, stylized swordplay, and noir mood into a visual style that nods to both samurai cinema and Westerns, with an odd theatrical flair. The score blends Eastern instruments with moody synths, reinforcing the film's theatrical feel.

Critics and audiences offered mixed reactions, contributing to an overall average around 5.8 out of 10 from 344 votes. The film leans into themes of vengeance and loyalty in a world without firearms, where a small team pursues payback while confronting trust and betrayal. The result is mood over momentum, with occasional flashes of stylish action. Hartnett's quiet intensity, Moore's restrained presence, and Harrelson's wry charisma anchor the ensemble.