In 18th century Japan, the outcast Kai (Keanu Reeves) joins a group of Samurai warriors, who are led by Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada, Revenge). The group is out for vengeance against Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano, Battleship) the man responsible for killing their master and banishing them. They will embark on a journey that has presented known challenges too difficult for most warriors.

47 Ronin

Carl Rinsch will make his feature length directorial debut on this film that was adapted by Hossein Amini (Snow White and the Huntsman, Drive) and Chris Morgan (Fast Five, Wanted). The movie will be a fictional account of the real group of warriors known as the Forty-seven Ronin.

This adaptation is being labeled a fantasy-adventure because it mixes in witches and giants with the legend of the warriors that has been passed down from the 1700s. Reeves who has been very passionate about the film said,

Japanese kids grow up with this story told to them. They hear it from family, and they learn it in school. It’s part of the culture. It’s been made into movies many times and on television. It’s like our westerns – the story keeps being told,. It’s been reworked in some ways [for this new film] but with great care and respect.

Also, when speaking about his character, a half-Japanese, half British samurai who is a new addition to this film, he said,

There’s a sadness about him, and I admire the grace he shows in response to other people’s feelings. He doesn’t have anger about the way he is viewed, but there is sadness, and I’ve found that an interesting thing to work with.

This will be the first English take on the legend that has already been made into 80 movies. After two push backs it will open Christmas day along with Jack Ryan and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

47 Ronin Trailer

Available Soon!

Movie Release Date

Coming to 2D and 3D theaters on December 25, 2013.

Pictures

Who’s In It?

Keanu Reeves as Kai

Hiroyuki Sanada as Kuranosuke Ôishi

Ko Shibasaki as Mike

Tadanobu Asano as Lord Kira

Rinko Kikuchi Mizuki

The Good Stuff?

It sounds very interesting. I have heard of the other films, but I have never seen any of them. So, I am not that familiar with this legend or the adaptations. The videos of Keanu speaking about the movie are interesting and sort of funny, but he seemed enthused about working on it. The cast looks great, and I know who most of the Japanese actors are or have at least seen them in one or two films.

The Bad Stuff?

Speaking from other foreign films that have been adapted in Hollywood, they have not been as great as the foreign versions. I don’t know what it is, but filmmakers from foreign countries have no pretenses about making movies. They are not afraid to be gritty and real as well as completely ridiculous.