47 Ronin
- -Based on the original 1941 movie from Japan, and from ancient Japan’s most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.
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[vc_row][vc_column][wpsm_woobox id=”48260″][/vc_column][/vc_row]by Ginger
There have been numerous remakes of this classic tale, set in the Shogun period of Japan. In this version of 47 Ronin, a group of samurai seeks to avenge the death of their master and free their people. This is an intense and action-packed movie, with magic, fantasy, and intense fighting scenes. It is big budget with wonderful special effects, but it might be too intense for the younger members of the family. This one hits the big screen Christmas day. Children pre-teen and above will love the action and special effects, but the little ones might find it too violent and bloody for their tastes.
This remake of a traditional Samurai tale is based on a traditional Japanese play called Chushingura. In this version, Keanu Reeves plays Kai, a half-Japanese, half-British character. This character is not in the traditional rendition of the story and exists only in this movie version. The play takes place in the 18th century. Kai is an outcast in this movie until he is needed to join 47 Ronin who must join forces against an enormous enemy army that has seized their lands. The 47 know that it is a suicide mission and they will probably lose their lives, but they will die with honor in the act of saving their people.
The MPAA rated this one a PG-13 for intense disturbing images, violence and some of the themes in the movie. Revenge and seeking revenge plays a key role in this movie. There is mild profanity, largely connected with the drama and intensity of the scene. This movie has a few geisha girls sprinkled throughout too. There are frightening creatures and one of the characters is a sorceress who turns herself into a scary dragon.
On the upside, this film portrays a traditional Japanese tale. It provides a glimpse into the world of the Samurai, although it does contain fantasy and myth. This film may be a good way to introduce the kids to a classic film and to expand their interest in learning more about this time period and the history surrounding it. This family movie review thinks that it may be too intense for the younger members of the family.