this post was submitted on 27 Apr 2024
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Cyberpunk

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What is Cyberpunk?

Cyberpunk is a science-fiction sub-genre dealing with the integration of society and technology in dystopian settings. Often referred to as “low-life and high tech,” Cyberpunk stories deal with outsiders (punks) who fight against the oppressors in society (usually mega corporations that control everything) via technological means (cyber). If the punks aren’t actively fighting against a megacorp, they’re still dealing with living in a world completely dependent on high technology.

Cyberpunk characteristics include:

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This was mentioned in our discussion of bad cyberpunk movies but I wanted to bring it to a wider audience. Do you consider the 1993 Super Mario Bros movie to be cyberpunk?

I'd say the movie definitely takes place in a cyberpunk city, but are there any cyberpunk themes present?

Here's a trailer. I don't think it's streaming anywhere, but if you watch it I recommend watching with the RiffTrax commentary (Mystery Science Theater 3000 guys) to make it more enjoyable.

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[–] [email protected] 37 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I'd say it is

  • General dystopian vibe
  • Villain seeking absolute control
  • Technology as a mean of oppression
[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago

Also, corporations seemingly run everything. Capitalism run amok.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 6 months ago (3 children)

It is and I really hope we get to see the intended cut some day

[–] [email protected] 13 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Is that the one from before the cat buttholes were removed?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago

That of course, and the strip club rap

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago (1 children)

What intended cut? Are you referring to the Morton Jankel cut? It's still available on the Internet Archive.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Yeah. Didn't know the fan cut was out, but I meant a version where Morton & Jankel would actually oversee or sign off, and not in VHS quality.

Read some good article somewhere where they reminisce how the process went and I might remember wrong but it felt that they'd like a chance to show their vision. Nintendo would never approve tho.

But now it seems I should check out that fan version some day.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Still waiting for that sequel we were promised at the end

[–] [email protected] 11 points 6 months ago

...it's a goofy take on the genre, but absolutely cyberpunk, yes...

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago
[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago (1 children)

So, maybe it's obvious, that makes tank girl cyberpunk as well?

[–] [email protected] 12 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Yes, Tank Girl is absolutely cyberpunk.

Its dystopian, the bad guy is a profit-motivated corporation, and the heroes belong to an alt-subculture

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago

Cyberpunk, probably, but bad? Hell naw.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 months ago

I consider it to be more plumberpunk.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago

Yep! As a kid I was mainly wondering what this movie had to do with Mario Bros, but as an adult I love it

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

I love Charlie Day, but Luigi in the animated movie should have been Leguizamo

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

From what I’ve seen John Leguizamo doesn’t really repeat himself as an actor though. The styles are completely different so maybe he would repeat the character but I just don’t really see it happening. Great actor though, deserves more accolades.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Wasn't the set designer the same guy who worked on Bladerunner?