Based on the fictionalized history of the Chūshingura, 47 Ronin is an American adaptation of one of Japan’s favorite myths. Set in the 18th century, the film follows the mysterious outsider Kai, who leads a band of master-less samurai who seek to avenge their dead master and reclaim his daughter from the evil ruler who has taken her. Forced to embrace his dark past, Kai must reclaim himself if he is to reclaim the glory of his band of warriors.
I committed to over an hour of this film before finally walking out. Let me address the “elephant in the room” by dismissing the myth that you have to finish a film in order to have a valid opinion. Stories are sequential art, with a film consisting of individual units that make up the whole narrative.
It would stand to reason then, that if individual components of the sequence don’t withstand the test of viewing, then the film is flawed. A movie that makes you check the time instead of engaging you doesn’t really seem to be worthwhile. And if you find yourself asking, “Oh God, when is this going to be over?” then there are a ton of problems.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this adaptation specifically created a role for Keanu Reeves, an American actor whose inclusion creates racial tension for the story. This was a risky move for a few reasons, paramount among them being the creative license taken with a beloved story. Keanu was also a dicey choice, considering that many people are critical of his acting abilities. While I personally have no problem with him, he seems to be absent for much of the first half of the movie. There really seems to be no emotional focus here, leading to a story that hops around different characters that are paper-thin. The demons and swordplay, two of the film’s most important elements, are rather flat, as is the cinematography and music, which at times give you a cheesy hint to leave. This is really a shame, as the production was presented with a beautiful, ancient tapestry that is ultimately ripped apart to make gaudy window curtains.
My advice? Just go play Onimusha instead.
