As a kid, I used to love watching “Kung Fu Theater” every Saturday afternoon. It had great action and a basic good vs. evil storyline that usually included samurai, Kung-Fu masters and all sorts of magic and mysticism. So, when I got my preview copy of 47 Ronin, I was hoping that it would transport me back to those days that I always remember fondly. I was not disappointed!
Keanu Reeves plays Kai, a half-breed who was found in the forest and allowed to live there as an outcast by Lord Asano. Enslaved by his protectors, he is not allowed to become a samurai, but is used for his prowess as a warrior. Never receiving the respect that he is due by his lord or the other samurai he constantly protects.
Lord Asano holds a tournament and invites the Shogun to his castle. Taken under the spell of a witch, Lord Asano attempts to kill a high ranking member of the Shogun and is shamed into committing the act of seppuku. The Shogun Warlord takes control of the castle and banishes the samurai who once protected the kingdom. Once a samurai is banished, he becomes a Ronin. A man without a cause, one who is lost and serves no one. One of the banished samurai, Oishi, seeks out Kai and the Ronin and together they seek vengeance to reclaim the honor of their Lord and each other.
I thought 47 Ronin was a really cool movie. Keanu Reeves, who doesn’t seem to ever age, was a great choice for Kai. He still has a great screen presence and was quietly strong and understated. This movie is an ensemble piece and he fit perfectly within the cast of primarily Asian actors. The real discovery for me was Hiroyuki Sanada as Oishi. He was the driving force behind the story and really held the film together with his acting and his fighting expertise. Sanada was a child actor who had his first starring role at 5 and then went on to study with one of the greatest Japanese action heroes of all time, Sonny Chiba. I would love to see him in more roles stateside!!!
If you love samurai films or even if you just like a really great action movie make sure to see 47 Ronin. You’ll find yourself watching it again almost instantly.
47 Ronin is available now on Digital HD and will be available on Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Combo Packs, DVD, including UltraViolet™ and On Demand on April 1, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.