A Hollywood take on the famous tale of the 47 leaderless samurai, starring Keanu Reeves, slashes its way to the big screen
In a world where myth meets legend and intricate swordfights dazzle the mind, the timeless tale of 47 Ronin draws you into the dauntless spirit of the Samurai.
With a sense of purpose and justice in each swing of their blade, experience the raw emotion and fury of the Ronin in 3D.
The powerful cast, including Keanu Reeves (best remembered for the Matrix trilogy) and Hiroyuki Sanada (of The Last Samurai), are ready to take theatres by storm as they hack and slash with renewed fervour, bound to thrill and keep you at the edge of your seat.
Helmed by Director Carl Rinsch (The Gift), the film brings to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battle sequences that depict the saga in a way that honours the mysteries of the Samurai.
One can’t help but feel that some scenes are a nod to the master of samurai films, Akira Kurosawa. The scenes and sequences evoke a sense of the epic and the dramatic.
A Power-Crazed Warlord
After the treacherous warlord, Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano), kills Lord Asano (Min Tanaka) and banishes his vassals, the 47 master-less samurai (or Ronin) vow to seek revenge and to restore honour to their people.
Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin led by the lieutenant Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada) must seek the help of Kai, an outcast played by Keanu Reeves, as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, a shape-shifting sorceress and fearsome monsters.
With the powerful witch (portrayed by Rinko Kikuchi) at his command, Lord Kira uses her otherworldly powers to achieve his goals. He uses her shape-shifting abilities to smear and tarnish the name of Lord Asano and his samurais.
An Outcast Hero
The protagonist, Kai, is a half-breed. Orphaned at birth, Kai is trained from a tender age by supernatural creatures called the Tengu, but he fled when he realised that he did not want to end up like them.
Taken in by the firm but fair Lord Asano, Kai begins his journey. When he is asked to help the band of Ronin avenge their master’s death, conflicts arise between Oishi and Kai.
Fantastic Scenes and Relatable Themes
47 Ronin touts masterful displays of swordsmanship accompanied with amazing renderings of an ancient and lush world long past.
Pamela Abdy, Producer of 47 Ronin, said, “The story’s themes of honour, revenge and love are universal ideas, and we can see ourselves in these characters and their emotions, yearnings and injustices.”
These age-old and universal themes are expected to resonate in viewers. Don’t be surprised if you walk out of the cinema with a renewed sense of justice.
47 RONIN [PG13]
DIRECTOR: Carl Rinsch
STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi,
GENRE: Action/Adventure
RUN LENGTH: 127 min
RELEASE: Dec 19
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