47 Ronin

"47 Ronin"

Watched English movie "47 Ronin". Direction Carl Rinsch. Screenplay: Chris Morgan, Hossein Amini. Produced by Pamela Abdy, Eric McLeod. Cinematography John Mathieson. Music by Ilan Eshkeri. It features Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi, Ko Shibasaki. The movie was released in 2013 and runs for about 2 hours. I watched it on Netflix on 14th May 2021.

It's the story in the times of feudal Japan. Lord Kira conspires with a witch that forces Lord Asano to draw sword. Shogun orders him death by Seppuk (Killing oneself by honor). After his death his team of Samurai become Ronin (Leaderless and disgraced Samurai). They wait for one year and exact the revenge of their masters death. 

This movie is based on actual historical event which has become pride of Japan. Generally when a movie is made, director id's allowed to take artistic liberty. Here he takes too much liberty. Character of Keanu Reeves, son of an English father and Japanese mother. Love story between him and Asano's daughter. Adding a witch to assist Kira. All of these characters are additions and don't appear in the original.

I have read a book by same name and posted a review of a book in Feb 2016 on my book review blog. I had recommended to read it. Apart from the fact that 47 Ronin take revenge of their master's death, the movie and book are as different as chalk and cheese.

Acting is good, especially, Hiroyuki Sanada. Fight scenes are also very well choreographed and look authentic. Special effects are very good. Especially when the witch transforms and moves as a cloth.

It's a good change with all Japanese cast except Keanu Reeves. Although divorced from known story, it's an entertaining movie. I was surprised to know that this movie made a loss.

Recommend to watch for a change.