Six-String Samurai

In 1957, the Soviet Union launches a nuclear strike on the United States, causing widespread destruction and making most of the country uninhabitable. The American government collapses, leaving only Lost Vegas as a refuge, ruled by King Elvis. The attack sets the dystopian backdrop for the story’s journey and conflict.

Lost Vegas survives as a last remaining haven amidst the chaos, ruled by King Elvis. Over the years, the red army besieges the city, but supplies dwindle, and the city’s defenders become a gang of thugs. The city becomes a symbol of hope for musicians and survivors alike.

Forty years after its founding, King Elvis dies, prompting radio DJ Keith Mortimer to call on all musicians to come to Lost Vegas in an attempt to be crowned the new King of Rock 'n' Roll. This event sparks the central quest of the film.

Buddy, a lone guitarist and swordsman, rescues an unnamed boy, whom he calls Kid, from bandits. The Kid’s mother was killed by the bandits, and he joins Buddy on their journey through the wasteland. Buddy is annoyed but ultimately becomes a protector for the Kid.

Throughout their journey, Buddy and Kid face numerous threats including attacks by a metal-playing villain named Death, bounty-hunting teams, and bandits. These conflicts highlight the dangerous world they navigate, with Death specifically targeting musicians to claim their guitar picks.

When their car breaks down, Buddy and Kid are deceived by a cannibal family but are saved when Windmill People invade their home. Buddy defends them and they escape with a socket wrench needed to fix their car, rescuing the Kid from danger.

In the town of Fallout, Buddy spends time with a cheerleader, but Death arrives, warning him before Buddy and Kid flee. Buddy humiliates a young guitarist, which leads to a confrontation where Buddy kills the guitarist in self-defense, shaking his confidence.

Buddy and Kid collapse in the desert after collapsing from exhaustion. They are ambushed by Death’s archers, with Buddy battling them to protect the Kid, who is captured by mutants. Buddy ventures into the mutants’ lair to rescue him.

Buddy faces Death in a guitar duel, fighting their musical styles of Rock 'n' Roll versus Heavy Metal. Buddy wins, but is mortally wounded when Death orders his bandmates to shoot him and the Kid. Buddy is fatally injured in the sword fight afterward.

Using water, the Kid discovers that Death's weakness is water, and he melts Death away. The defeat leaves Death's bandmates in shock, and they leave the Kid, expressing admiration and offering assistance if needed.

After Buddy’s death, the Kid bravely decides to complete Buddy’s dream, donning his clothes, glasses, sword, and guitar. He continues toward Lost Vegas, symbolizing that he has inherited Buddy’s spirit and mission.

The Kid arrives at Lost Vegas, turning into Buddy as a crowd cheers him on. This transformation symbolizes that the Kid has inherited Buddy’s spirit and that the legendary journey to find the new King of Rock 'n' Roll is complete.