Movie Review: 47 Ronin

47 Ronin
PG-13, 2 hr. 7 min.
Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: Carl Rinsch
In Theaters: Dec 25, 2013 Wide
Universal Pictures - http://www.47roninmovie.com/
Keanu Reeves-Kai
Hiroyuki Sanada -Oishi
Kou Shibasaki -Mika
Tadanobu Asano-Lord Kira
Rinko Kikuchi-Witch
Min Tanaka-Lord Asano
From ancient Japan's most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. 47 Ronin is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (The Gift). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before. -- (C) Universal

ronin – “The defining characteristic of a ronin is that he was a former samurai separated from service to a daimyo. The kanji that spell out the term "ronin" are literally translated as "wave person," as if he were set adrift to be tossed upon the waves of life. Sometimes, the term "ronin" is translated as "masterless samurai" - The Samurai Archives SamuraiWiki

47 Ronin is the little movie that could. Everyone has been predicting its failure since filming began in 2011. There were director disputes, creative disputes, studio disputes. You can read all about the disputes in the Los Angeles Times article by Chris Lee

47 Ronin is an awesome tale of Samurai honor and the Bushido way. The studios wanted an action packed visual bonanza, but the director wanted to focus on the drama aspect of the story, and I agree. There are still some visually exciting scenes of action and the costumes are stunning. The acting wasn't Oscar worthy, but not many are. I liked the movie. A lot. So did my mom and my husband.

There is a star crossed lover’s story between the half-breed servant Kai and the Samurai Master’s daughter Mika. They kept it a chaste love affair which was fitting for the tone of the movie. The violence isn't graphic and the PG-13 rating seems appropriate. Lots of heads roll, but there is no blood spewing. There is a deliciously evil shape changing witch!

this guy is in the movie for about 15 seconds

Dark Horse

If you are familiar with the 47 Ronin tale (Dark Horse has a graphic novel based on the story) then you know how it ends. While the writers took a lot of liberty with the story they did not change the ending. That would be like making a movie about the Titanic and everyone lives at the end. It is a bittersweet ending.

Should you see it? I am glad I did, and it was worth a matinee price. I like Keanu Reeves and the story the movie is based on. If you are looking for the next Oscar or a life changing experience don’t go and rent it. It doesn't deserve all the hating it is getting.

3.75 “I told you I wasn’t afraid of you” Sheep

SharonS