H2F Entertainment, Mid Atlantic Films, Moving Picture Company (MPC),
Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano, Min Tanaka, Jin Akanishi, Masayoshi Haneda, Hiroshi Sogabe, Rinko Kikuchi, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Yorick van Wageningen, Tanroh Ishida, Junichi Kajioka
Lord Asano (Min Tanaka) of Ako is out hunting when he finds a half-breed Boy, Kai (Keanu Reeves) who is nearly dead. Instead of killing him, he brings him home and raises him as an outcast. But though life is hard for Kai, when the Shogun arrives, Lord Asano is bewitched and attempts to kill rival Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) of a nearby kingdom. Under the orders of the Shogun, Asano is forced to take his own life in order to preserve his honor and keep the kingdom from falling into the hands of Lord Kira. The Samurai of Ako are cast outs, and become Ronin (leaderless ex-samurai) and are disgraced and cast out. But with the help of Kia and 46 of the other Ronin, they bide their time until they are able to attempt the hopeless mission of exacting revenge for the death of Lord Asano.
This movie is based on the legend of the 47 Ronin and is probably based on a number of facts. The actual graves of the 47 Ronin are still there, and a celebration happens every year to celebrate the heroes. Not everyone agrees with the stories or that they are really heroes, but this is based upon the most prevalent legends that have been passed down. When I first heard of this film, I heard that Keanu Reeves plays a Japanese Samurai Warrior and I thought it would ultimately be really stupid. But actually he was very well fit for the part. Used to being outcast and therefore living alone and not speaking much, none of Bill and Ted’s Adventure peeked through in the dialog, and Keanu actually did an excellent job in the lead role. But he was surrounded by excellent actors and actresses and a really interesting story that filled the movie with audio and visual thrills. It’s a very well made film that really pulls you in from the very beginning and all the way through the stunning ending. Immediately after finishing this film, I immediately went to the internet to research the true story because I was so fascinated by the movie. It is hard for us as a westerner to understand the culture of ancient Japan, much of which has been passed on until today. This movie is beautiful in the setting and the views, rich in storyline, full of action and suspense, a half way decent love story, and simply very well done. I was very surprised with how well done this film was, and I can recommend it to anyone interested in some far east culture and a good action tale.
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