Wazzup Pilipinas!
Among the best-known tales in Japanese history, the legend of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their disgraced master epitomizes the samurai code of honor. It has been said, "To know the story of the 47 Ronin is to know Japan."
Retold through the ages, the legend that previously came to the comics in a meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated miniseries from Mike Richardson, Stan Sakai, and editorial consultant Kazuo Koike, is now also a Hollywood movie starring our favorite The Matrix lead actor.
Recounting this sweeping tale of honor and violence in all its grandeur detailing the tragic incident that would seal the fate of Lord Asano and set forty-seven of his vassals on a years-long path of vengeance!
This fantasy re-creation of a popular Japanese historical event is now a movie starring Keanu Reeves but actually felt like he played more of a supporting role. The Japanese hero, Oishi, played by actor Hiroyuki Sanada, was more likely playing the lead role.
Aside from Hiroyuki, four other actors were cast alongside Keanu Reeves ( Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi, Kou Shibasaki and Jin Akanishi) to make the story more authentic instead of picking actors that would be recognizable in the United States.
There have been countless Japanese film and TV versions of the story, not all of them made with awestruck reverence.
The movie has a complete story and a clear message, not an epic though, just not very impressive visually. It was quite enjoyable. Not an Oscar contender, but a fun flick for leisure entertainment.
This is the seventh cinematic adaptation of the Japanese folktale of the 47 Ronin, after The 47 Ronin (1941), Chûshingura (1958), Chushingura (1962), The Fall of Ako Castle (1978), 47 Ronin (1994) and The Last Chushingura (2010). This is however the first Hollywood cinematic adaptation.
"After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must seek the help of Kai -a half-breed they once rejected-as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft and wondrous terrors. As this exiled, enslaved outcast becomes their most deadly weapon, he will transform into the hero who inspires this band of outnumbered rebels to seize eternity." - IMDb
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
It is a good idea to put a culture to a movie. In this way, many non-Japanese can access the cultures of the Japanese. They can use as a well of knowledge about Japan. :)
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