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| Keanu Reeves as one of the 'samurai' in 47 Ronin |
Went to see it masa lunch hour semalam. Ok la tu. 12-2 usually people go out for lunch, I sempat tengok wayang. The running time is almost 2 hours pon.
Anyway the film is inspired by the legend of the 47 Ronin. A group of masterless samurai who seeks to avenge their lord death. Their lord (Lord Asano) had a disagreement or something but basically the lord had injured another lord ( Lord Kira) which many said is no fault of his since Lord Kira is kinda a dick. As punishment he was sentenced to death but was granted a honorable death 'seppuku'. So the 47 samurai now have no master and are dispersed until a year later they attacked Lord Kira castle to bring back his head to their master grave. Then all 47 of them had to commit seppuku as punishment since at the time the Shogun (emperor) had forbid any retaliation. But a samurai is dishonored if he didn't seek revenge for their master death.. that is their code.. So the story lives on..
In the film, it is kinda the same except with supernatural elements which to me kinda undermine the awesomeness of the original story. Keanu Reeves is Kai, a boy taken by Lord Asano to be raised in his household. so he grew up alongside all these samurai and Lord Asano daughter, Mika. And afterwards it goes about the same, except there is a witch who have magical hair and likes to slink around sexily and supernatural beast and swords.
It is pretty cool and the cinematography is beautiful. I was wondering if they shot it in Ireland because it looks like Ireland for some. Keanu Reeves wooden acting is suitable here and for the other, looking at Akanishi Jin as Chikara is enough for me. It have its moments la. I was never bored. It feels a bit ridiculous sometimes but I can accept it.
But the point of watching it is for the action. The fighting itself is magnificent when it is one on one. Full on battle feels a bit cluttered. GoT did it better IMO. But the sneak attacks is wonderfully suspenseful. That is the highlight of the movie for me.
Summary: Don't expect great CGI even or great dialogue but the face acting by the Japanese actors makes up for a lot of Keanu Reeves lack of , stay for the attack of the castle. Hate the supernatural elements and think if it is done away the movie would look much better. If I were to rate it, I would say 3 out 5 stars.
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