June 2011
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Inspirography: The Good, The Bad, The Weird

One of the regular features here at the Far West will be a look at some of the ingredients that have gone into our western/wuxia/steampunk melange. We’ll recommend books, films, comics and more — all part of what we call the “Inspirography” of Far West. For our first recommendation, we’re taking a look at a film that came out after development of Far West had already begun, but which dovetailed perfectly with the project.

The Good, The Bad, The Weird (Joheun Nom Nabbeun Nom Isanghan Nom) is a South Korean film from 2008, inspired by the Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone. Set in the 1930s in Manchuria, the plot centers around different factions (a bounty hunter, an outlaw, a thief, roving bandits, shifty criminals, and the Japanese army) all in pursuit of a treasure map.

The trailer will give you the best illustration of why this film is perfect inspiration for Far West:

The feel of a spaghetti western, the later-period technology (the motorbike with sidecar, for example), the vaguely steampunk accoutrements of “the Weird” (his leather aviator helmet and goggles), the frontier setting, and the unrelenting waves of Just Plain Cool… It’s almost a perfect Far West film experience — the only thing missing is wuxia-style kung fu (although there is some high-flying gun combat, as you can see in the trailer).

Well worth your time. The film is available on DVD worldwide, and for those in the US, it is currently available streaming via Netflix.

8 Comments

  1. Yuutousei says:

    I want to watch that movie so much….

  2. paws2sky says:

    This is a great movie. I watched it not long after I found out about Far West (a couple months ago) and figured it must have have been an inspiration.

  3. Reverance Pavane says:

    If you are looking for great inspiration, another great movie that dovetails extremely well with your game concept is Sngmoo Lee’s The Warrior’s Way [imdb][trailer].

    Highly recommended. With a very talented cast.

  4. Jon Young says:

    Just finished watching this today. Its an excellent inspiration for Far West.
    I can’t wait for this game.

  5. Eddie Martin says:

    I saw both this movie and the Warrior’s Way (as mentioned above) since before I learned of Far West. Both are great movies, and I’d also recommend ‘Sukiyaki Western Django’ to any fan of the genre.

    • Shane says:

      Sukiyaki rocks! As much an art film as it is anything else. Brilliant and vibrant colors mixed with great action and plot, but no completely devoid of humor. Love it!

  6. EpicRPGBlog says:

    I atually watched The Good The Bad the Weird before I jumped into Far West, and I loved it, Also loved Sukiyaki, I need to watch Warrior’s Way

Leave a Reply to Reverance Pavane