“More, please.” That’s the only thought running through my head after watching director Brent Forrest’s Samurai Frog Golf. In just three minutes, Forrest drops you into a world that is ancient, feudal, and golf-obsessed. Let me explain.
The opening crawl says it all: “The point of golf is not to win. The point of golf is to play like a gentleman…and win.” A gruff, retired frog samurai — a warrior so done with the life of conflict that he melted his sword into a driver — just wants to spend his remaining years on the back nine in peace. His caddie, a sugar glider, keeps him company. Things go sideways fast. An errant shot sends him crawling into a nearby temple, where he stumbles onto a pack of razor-sharp ravens ready to feast on a scared turtle.
“What follows is a sprint through flashing steel and spectacular choreography as the old samurai, golf club in hand, throws himself between the hatchling and every raven blade coming its way.”
More concerned about his golf ball, the frog samurai reaches down, grabs what he thinks is his ball, and walks away, leaving the ravens with their prey. Just as he leaves the temple, the frog notices he picked up a turtle egg instead of his golf ball. He reluctantly returns for his ball. What follows is a sprint through flashing steel and spectacular choreography as the old samurai, golf club in hand, throws himself between the hatchling and every raven blade coming its way.
First, what a stunningly gorgeous short film this is. The animation is a joy to watch. Its art style blends manga, woodblock, and watercolor. The colors are so vibrant. There’s not a single straight line to be seen.
The character design is a masterpiece, and the CG animation’s movements are top-notch. What I saw was a preview of a much bigger story of a frog, a sugar glider, and a baby turtle embarking on an incredible journey. All it took was a three-minute preview, and I’m all in! I want more stories in the world Brent Forrest built, and you will, too.
For screening information, visit the Samurai Frog Golf official website.
"…More, please."
