47 Ronin (2013/4) – Movie Review ★★★★

Director: Carl Rinsch – Cast: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Rinko Kikuchi and Jin Akanishi – Synopsis: A fictional account of the forty-seven Ronin, a real-life group of Ronin in 18th-century Japan who sets about to avenge the death of their master who was set to death after a demon used magic tricking him into an act of aggression that resulted in him betraying his kind and execution – after his death the band of Ronin led by Oishi must seek the help of Kai – a half-breed previously shunned by the Ronin to help them defeat an evil Warlord and his magical army – Verdict: Forget all the haters ! rent it or buy it 47 Ronin is worth the watch – the movie has everything from some decent CGI, a whole bunch of fun & colorful characters and action delivered on a grand scale with some fantastic sword fights and hand to hand combat – now okay I’m a big fan of Keanu Reeves and adore his films from the 1990s that includes Point Break, Speed and The Matrix but 47 Ronin has more to offer than just Neo – Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai & Helix) gives an intense performance as the proud Samurai turned Ronin leader and Pacific Rim’s Rinko Kikuchi looks deliciously evil and totally bad ass as the Warlord’s magic squeeze – some of the locations used in shooting the film were impressive & atmospheric including the backdrop of The Isle of Sky doubling for 18th Century Japan – overall: Carl Rinsch’s film debut is all sorts of bonkers fun and whilst the story has been slightly bastardized for entertainment value 47 Ronin is without question an enjoyable movie romp that’s dark in it’s story telling and respectful in it’s execution….