Plot
In feudal Japan, Lord Asano oversees the Ako prefecture – with his daughter Mika at his side, and his most loyal samurai Oishi. He has also taken under his wing, the ‘half-breed’ Kai who came to him as a child.
Lord Kira of the Nagato prefecture wants to take over. With his witch mistress, has Asano attempt to assassinate him. This leaves Shogun Tsunayoshi no choice but to order Asano to ritually suicide, leaving Oishi and his fellow samurai to become Ronin (samurai without masters).
Following a year long imprisonment, Oishi returns to his ‘brotherhood’ and they vow revenge on Kira, for the wrongful death of their master.
Direction
With a supernatural take on the classic Japanese folklore, there is action aplenty – with great use of choreography. The supernatural element does mean there is heavy reliance on CGI.
This has led the film to have poor cultural appropriation, due to the blasphemy of the original legacy.
Cast/Characters
Keanu Reeves gets top billing as Kai, but his character is unnecessary to the plot.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Oishi is really the star of the film. He is Asano’s most trusted samurai, and is the backbone of the Ronin who vow revenge.
Breakdown
Despite Reeve’s top billing, it feels more like Sanada’s movie as Oishi. The character of Mika, Asano’s daughter is also made for the movie – as well as the supernatural elements.
The Japanese cast should have been allowed to use their natural language, and had the audience used subtitles. This would have made a much more culturally appropriate film.
There are some visually impressive moments throughout, including some brilliant swordplay. One such moment is when Kai is fighting Kira’s 7,7 samurai. But it is the stealth attack in silence on Kira’s men.
There is also a wonderful screenplay, starting with the opening monologue describing the story and what a Ronin is.
There is also Oishis motivational speech to his men, and how their sons will speak their names with honour. This is especially important as his son Chikara is one of his men. The film omits his death at the end of the film, letting him carry on the family name.
I did not care for the supernatural elements, including; Kira’s witch, Kai’s visit to his former home, and Kai himself.
The narrative would have been stronger had this not been included.
There should have been more of Kai’s gaining acceptance from the Ronin who never liked him, especially as he *** spoiler *** dies alongside them at the end. The final 20 minutes of the film are quite heartbreaking, as it is based on true events
Score/Soundtrack
I loved the score, by Ilan Eshkeri. This is the first time I’ve come across his work. Asano’s and The 47 Ronin’s seppuku scenes are especially powerful.
Overall
A very good film, marred only by the change of historical events (creating Kai) and not letting the Japanese cast speak in Japanese.
Still worth checking out!
3.5/5
Please also check out my Podcast on Youtube, where we review a new movie every week! Please subscribe!
Ryan's Movie Reviews 