With its stories of battles against demons, scary sacrifices, kidnap, rescue, and endless cunning plans, the Ramayana is a good deal more exciting to the youthful imagination than the average religious text. Nevertheless, there are those who resist its lessons. but get this: what if, instead of Ancient India, you set it in space; and what if, instead of traditional armour, you had its legendary warrior wear giant battle mechs?

This is the premise of Veerapatra Jinanavin and Manassavin Malevong’s Mantra Warrior: The Legend Of The Eight Moons, which screened as part of the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival. It throws in lasers, explosions and super cute little spirit creatures which bear a distinct resemblance to pokémon for good measure. Also, the female characters all have skimpy outfits and massively oversized breasts, but hey, they’re not afforded personalities, so they have to get your attention somehow. All of this is.