47 Ronin

When you hear about the budgetary and production problems like the ones 47 Ronin has had, it’s tough for it to turn a profit and be considered successful. But being promoted to look like a samurai version of 300 is a good way to appeal to the masses. Keanu Reeves stars in the film about a group of Ronin, samurai without a master, attempting to avenge the death of their master. The premise is based on the true story that is well known in Japanese culture. But the shape-shifting witch lady from the film who can turn into a dragon seems to be missing from the historical accounts.

Keanu Reeves actually fits well into the movie as a former slave. He gives a mysterious performance with convincing sword skills. His dialogue isn’t the best, but when his mouth is closed, Kenau carries the film well. Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays samurai as often as Robert De Niro plays mobsters, gives depth to the plot in a way Reeves isn’t asked to do. As a respected samurai, the character’s plight throughout the movie is used to represent the emotions of the whole group.

Even with all the sci-fi elements, there are a number of dull moments in the middle of the film. The action and fight choreography delivers though as the epic samurai sword fights frame the conflict well. The movie is a decent action film that would have benefitted from a different release date. The large number of films that shared the Christmas opening cancelled each other out in many cases. Plus there are far too many heads being cut off by swords for families to enjoy this on Christmas Day. But Keanu and company have success in the film that capitalizes on the intriguing elements of samurai culture.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.