47 Ronin

4

Movie1997Dec 29, 2013

While there are some good visuals and 3-D, what it lacks is originality. There's nothing new about this movie, while it's not terrible, it's not worth remembering. Overall, ehh! I give it a C-! Be sure to check out my YouTube channelWhile there are some good visuals and 3-D, what it lacks is originality. There's nothing new about this movie, while it's not terrible, it's not worth remembering. Overall, ehh! I give it a C-! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel "TheMovieManLife" for all things movies!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

JalalBlackDec 29, 2013

The critics are overreacting ,this is a good movie full of great action and smart CG .Finally we can see how an Asian Dragon would look like in a Hollywood film

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

NancyJRinschDec 29, 2013

My grandson and I went to see this movie today. The beginning was a little slow but once it got good it became AWESOME. Loved it. The 3D effect was amazing. I would recommend it highly.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

docoflove1974Dec 28, 2013

The poor reviews from both critics and users are misguided; this was an excellent telling of a 300 year old legend, the Chushingura. The legend is based on a historical battle, and the multitude of versions of the Chushingura all tweak someThe poor reviews from both critics and users are misguided; this was an excellent telling of a 300 year old legend, the Chushingura. The legend is based on a historical battle, and the multitude of versions of the Chushingura all tweak some element of the historical events in order to either feature a certain element, actor, or viewpoint. This movie does the same thing.

The dialog is in keeping with typical Japanese historical/fantasy action movies--it's direct, stoic in manner, and yet expressive. All of the actors deliver their lines believably and with grace--much as one should expect from this story. Keanu Reaves, while the Hollywood A-lister, is not the focus, but his strengths lend themselves well to the story. The real stars are Hiroyuki Sanada as Oishi, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Kira, and Rinko Kikuchi as Mizuki--the three of them are the heart and soul of the movie, and the plot moves with them. The action is swift, clean, and beautiful, which shouldn't be a surprise given the level of talent in the film. The CG adds only the fantasy elements, and doesn't detract from the rest of the story.

The love story between Lady Mika and Kai is the twist of this story, and it works well because it's not the central focus of the plot. It's a nice addition, one to get American female audiences involved, no doubt.

Overall, I'm highly satisfied with this movie. The only reason I don't give it a 10/10 is because, for me, that rating is reserved for the most epic of movies. "47 Ronin" isn't epic, but it's definitely excellent.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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8

markarooDec 28, 2013

Wow don't understand very low scores from some viewers or so called "critics".Movie wasn't a masterpiece of course but I found it enjoyable.If you are looking for non-stop action with crazy over the top special effects on every corner thenWow don't understand very low scores from some viewers or so called "critics".Movie wasn't a masterpiece of course but I found it enjoyable.If you are looking for non-stop action with crazy over the top special effects on every corner then you are better off staying home.For the rest of you ,please familiarize yourself with the legend of 47 Ronin and then go see a movie and try to enjoy yourself.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

ricorickDec 28, 2013

I don't understand why this movie is getting such poor reviews. It's a good story with some really good action scenes. It's not boring or slow I was enthralled the whole time. And the ending is unforgettable. The critics need to get aI don't understand why this movie is getting such poor reviews. It's a good story with some really good action scenes. It's not boring or slow I was enthralled the whole time. And the ending is unforgettable. The critics need to get a clue and quit taking themselves so seriously. I almost passed on a good movie because of poor reviews.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

TeddieBearDec 28, 2013

I was applaud at the low scores that was posted. This 47 Ronin was very good from start to finish. I am not a polished writer, however, this was definitely a movie that my Finance' & I truly enjoyed. It should not have been rated lower thanI was applaud at the low scores that was posted. This 47 Ronin was very good from start to finish. I am not a polished writer, however, this was definitely a movie that my Finance' & I truly enjoyed. It should not have been rated lower than a 7 or 8. Thanks for reading my rating. … Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

tobey1993Dec 28, 2013

I was pretty excited to see Keanu back on the big screen. 47 Ronin is a good movie(not great), good actors, nice story. It could have been much better with extended action and a more drama.

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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10

proskate28Dec 28, 2013

I just saw the movie, and I must say it´s really a Masterpiece. I enjoyed every second of it,

I really can´t understand why critic gave such low scores...

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

Konoha-18Dec 28, 2013

I, too, am truly shocked by the critic reviews.
This movie was fantastic! It was moving, beautiful and truly entertaining! It deserves at least a solid 7, and I hope that I'm scoring it a ten the average score will be pushed up to the placeI, too, am truly shocked by the critic reviews.
This movie was fantastic! It was moving, beautiful and truly entertaining! It deserves at least a solid 7, and I hope that I'm scoring it a ten the average score will be pushed up to the place where it belongs.
Do not be out off by these reviews- if you want a solid, entertaining and moving film about the Samurai in Japan, this is a great film for you!
Thoroughly enjoyable.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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0

BartDec 28, 2013

What a piece of crud. Another display that KR is not capable of acting, unless mumble mumble mumble is actling. Dude, where is my katana? With all the CGI, maybey they could have used some of it to make KR look Japanese and to show some acting!

6 of 23 users found this helpful617

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10

Metacritic14Dec 27, 2013

I thought it was an enjoyable fantasy-action movie with a special style and an unexpected ending (I didn’t know the Japanese legend). It was well worth the entrance fee and the time spent watching it.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

TomHugDec 27, 2013

Wow. I am shocked by the bad critic reviews. I thought this movie was excellent. Compelling story. Special effects support but don't dominate the story. The acting is a bit wooden at times, but it felt stylistically appropriate and didn'tWow. I am shocked by the bad critic reviews. I thought this movie was excellent. Compelling story. Special effects support but don't dominate the story. The acting is a bit wooden at times, but it felt stylistically appropriate and didn't detract from the movie at all. I think it is an intentional nod to traditional Japanese form, but what do I know?

Frankly this movie reminded me of one of the "Lord of the Rings" movies, Japanese style. It is a complete and intriguing universe. The cinematography and artistic direction feel coherent and well conceived. I feel like the characters were well developed and we understood their point of views by the end of the movie.

I loved this movie. The time passed without notice while I was immersed in it. I'd see it again.… Expand

14 of 22 users found this helpful148

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3

epocDec 27, 2013

It's a real shame how bad this movie is because it has a very interesting, unique and promising ethos and premise, mixing Japenese culture with fantasy style adventure and lore. And with an all star cast what could go wrong? FLIPPING LOTS!It's a real shame how bad this movie is because it has a very interesting, unique and promising ethos and premise, mixing Japenese culture with fantasy style adventure and lore. And with an all star cast what could go wrong? FLIPPING LOTS! Like bad story! Like bad action! Like bad characters! Like being exrusatingly dull and pointless! Why didn't they just make a film about the awesome background of this world, because at the moment it's the only thing stopping this movie from getting a 0!… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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9

LebronjamesDec 27, 2013

Great movie and storyline. I highly recommended this movie for those people who wants a movie ala 300. Its based on a true story about the japanese samurai warriors.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

quincytheodoreDec 26, 2013

The tale of 47 Ronin is an ancient one, embellished with honorable vengeance in an exotic setting. While such premise could draw people attention, but there also lies its weakness, it's severely predictable. Many have used simple alreadyThe tale of 47 Ronin is an ancient one, embellished with honorable vengeance in an exotic setting. While such premise could draw people attention, but there also lies its weakness, it's severely predictable. Many have used simple already known concept and made it into fresh interesting watch, unfortunately for this movie spamming CG is not amongst the way to accomplish that. Hindered by poor acting, questionable cast and uneven storytelling, 47 Ronin feels detached and uninspiring despite its gorgeous visual.

From graphical standpoint, it's actually quite impressive. Mythical creatures roam its vibrant realm, colors are brightly sleek and the dark contrast makes for a good view. It's certainly up to par on other fantasy movies, although it does detract from more historical portrayal of feudal Japan. There's a bit exaggeration in it as well, almost as if it's a westernized version of Japan. Some scenes, especially with the quick battles or bizarre giant characters, have the grayish murky tone of medieval fantasy like The Hobbits, and while the style direction is a bit excessive, seeing kimono in brimming flamboyant dye is rather peculiar, it's acceptably eye pleasing.

Problems emerge when it tries to implement the story, which could be inspirational but remarkably falls flat. Keanu Reeves plays Kai, a half breed from an Englishman and a Japanese woman, the film's original character meant to portray an elevating underdog story, yet Reeves displays only one set of facial expression. He looks almost completely the same throughout the movie, there's barely any allure on seeing such monotonous hero. At the very least, his stiff performance can be considered as consistency, ironically so.

The use of English is awkward as well, The Last Samurai did the multilingual tone and it worked, so it could have used Japanese for more authenticity. There's a nagging feeling that something is amiss, specifically when the movie enters supposedly dramatic moments. Setting that aside, the script isn't exactly great either, most of the time it goes overly melodramatic, as if it wants the archaic feel of Japanese classic but delivered in mediocre English.

Casting is dubious, everyone has the samurai look and with boorish script, everyone is equally trapped in their respective dull role; there's your serious samurai and next to him are the sad samurai and funny samurai. Granted, there's not enough time to highlight them all, but none of them stand out or have the chance to perform to the fullest. Rinko Kikuchi, who earned Oscar and Golden Globe nomination for Babel, plays the evil witch, although her presence merely resembles a bitter high school cheerleader. The characters are just terribly shallow, when the leading male barely does robotic mumbles and the Oscar nominee looks that uncomfortable, it does nothing to draw the audience's interest.

During the two hours of its length, the flow feels fragmented, mainly because it consists of drab scenes with little beautiful vista sprinkled in between. There is no epic scale engaging skirmish to behold, just some small CG fights, which is odd since the appeal should be a smaller group of warriors against mightier force. It does boast a spectacle, but no amount of cosmetic can justify the bland use of Japanese classic.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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9

rmlee07Dec 26, 2013

A great Japanese fantasy tale, filled with epic samurai upholding social order ahead of their own lives.The film does a great job of showing that duty and honor to ones lord is far more important than adventure. By battling against those whoA great Japanese fantasy tale, filled with epic samurai upholding social order ahead of their own lives.The film does a great job of showing that duty and honor to ones lord is far more important than adventure. By battling against those who would the rules of society as a weapon these men face the ultimate challenge, returning order to the world. The ending is suitable dramatic, but not what a western audience might expect. Where the film does fall short in its ability to explain to a western audience why the Samurai do what they do, those who are not knowledgeable about feudal japan will have a hard time understanding the motivations of the characters. 47 Ronin is a legendary tale in Japan culture, and this was a fun if not fantastical telling. Worth the watch, but just remember to do a little homework before you go for maximum enjoyment.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

RetroView25Dec 26, 2013

RetroView25, Here again and 47Ronin is not is not a film to waste 2 hours of your life on to watch!!!

Number One I understand the fact that the story needs a half-breed character to tell this story but why does Hollywood constantly keepRetroView25, Here again and 47Ronin is not is not a film to waste 2 hours of your life on to watch!!!

Number One I understand the fact that the story needs a half-breed character to tell this story but why does Hollywood constantly keep using caucasian actors to play the lead role of a character who based on ethic descent from the source material!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Dragonball Evolution circa 2009 anyone???

And YES: Keanu Reeves does have Chinese and Hawaiian descent from his Grandmother side, but a Half-Breed in Japanese culture usually means a Korean or someone having both Chinese & Japanese descent within them!!! Keanu Reeves comes off as a white guy not as a Half-Breed in this film!!! This is not the Matrix!!! And you saw how well "Man of Tai Chi" circa 2013 did for Mr. Reeves box office success at the box office, for his next role to be "Superman"; Get It !?!

Second: Why was the CGI so horrible??? Bringing flashbacks of "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" circa 2013... As, they spent $225 million on the budget on what??? Costumes???

Thirdly: If you came to watch for some High Entertaining Fight Scenes then YOU will leave severely wanting!!! I mean, Kai is supposed to have "Special Powers" which translate into seeing a fox with different colored eyes and some kind of Steve Winwood "Valerie" music video jump move performed twice in the film!!! You better off watching "The Blind Swordsman Zatoichi" circa 2003 or Rurouni Kenshin live action film circa 2012 instead for Feudal Japan Period films!!!

For extra credit: Azumi series, Ichi (2008), Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011) and The Twilight Samurai (2002)...

Fourth: The translation of this beautiful and epic story got turned into a paint by the numbers picture film, that had more bathroom break scenes to make it a tv movie having built in commercial breaks... Where was the editing or pacing of this film to make it worth being TWO HOURS LONG!!! I got had easily slice it down into ONE HOUR including credit rolls!!! It's that type of film folks!!!

And lastly: What is with Hollywood having caucasian actors being the SAVIOR of another race or last of their kind!?!!?! What is UP with that??? The Last Samurai circa 2003 anyone??? Anyone??? The Last of the Mohicans Circa 1992 or Dances with Wolves circa 1990... Are YOU getting the picture to see the picture...

I would love to see a movie title Last of Caucasian" being played by a Lead Asian Role; now that would be irony to see that!!! LOL… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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0

JackSakamotoDec 26, 2013

Pointless scenes. Again,and again. That's sad,but this film was not only boring it was also ridiculous. NOT the film of the year. There's nothing good to keep in it.

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

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7

MovieFan777Dec 26, 2013

"I didn't ask you to build me a watch, I only asked what time it was." Seems this is very true for this particular film: Critics want to deconstruct it down to every nuance while making sure to factor in the original cost, how the CGI"I didn't ask you to build me a watch, I only asked what time it was." Seems this is very true for this particular film: Critics want to deconstruct it down to every nuance while making sure to factor in the original cost, how the CGI compares to other films, etc. What so many people, including critics, seem to forget is that most people go to the movies for entertainment. They don't care if the movie cost $1 or $1 billion to make. They don't care if the CGI wasn't as good as XYZ film or if a particular piece of dialogue wasn't great they simply want to be entertained for a couple hours. If it was widely publicized that it was made for only $40,000 would people have then said what a remarkable achievement it was?

47 Ronin was a big surprise in that sense as it simply didn't disappoint as so many said it would. Indeed, we bought our 3D tickets before we read any reviews and started regretting the purchase before even seeing the film. We finally decided to go ahead with what was sure to be a terrible movie ticket investment four hardcore movie watchers who can generally be pretty objective when it comes to movies. As it turned out, the movie was entertaining in virtually every respect.

Was it a great movie? Not necessarily, but it was good and certainly worth the ticket price. The story had a few lulls but none that inspired a "this is probably a good time to go to the bathroom" moment. The CGI was fine for 99% of the population, possibly excepting graphics designers and hardcore video game players. The dialogue was fine for 99% of the population, possibly excepting writers or professional speakers.

Instead, this movie entertained right from the start and had a plot line that followed just fine. Sure, sure, perhaps a couple "roll your eyes" romantic moments but that is no major sin. The action scenes were good with a couple very minor "huh?" spots. The ending wasn't my cup of tea, but would seem to hold true with the storyline and the samurai code of that day. But hey, how many people in the US are well-versed in those ancient traditions? Probably less than 1%. Which again leaves it as a satisfying film for the other 99% of us.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

BrahmaBullDec 26, 2013

Surprised to hear that this didn't even do well in Japan. It's OK, but not the star among holiday films: Pedestrian, effects-laden, fantastical retelling of a Japanese legend with fluent English by the mostly Japanese cast so no subtitlesSurprised to hear that this didn't even do well in Japan. It's OK, but not the star among holiday films: Pedestrian, effects-laden, fantastical retelling of a Japanese legend with fluent English by the mostly Japanese cast so no subtitles needed. One of those films that makes you wonder what happened to that Ted Logan we grew up on all charm and spewing catchphrases? What process of maturing turned Keanu Reeves into this stone-faced, emotionless guy? With few spoken lines and just the expressions on their faces, the rest of the cast could communicate tragedy, malevolence, or pride, but our half-breed is so lacking in personality that the actor who played his younger version could infuse his small part of the script with more feeling. Oh well, if you're like me you just came to be immersed in a small, if totally fictional piece of Japanese culture and not watch Mr. Reeves play another version of Neo.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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1

bobbythebrownDec 26, 2013

I wanted to like this film. Unfortunately, the pacing is terrible, and it builds up to nothing. Action scenes are scarce and often truncated. In between are cliche-ridden monologues and drab dialogue between flat, uninteresting characters. ItI wanted to like this film. Unfortunately, the pacing is terrible, and it builds up to nothing. Action scenes are scarce and often truncated. In between are cliche-ridden monologues and drab dialogue between flat, uninteresting characters. It aspires to be an epic, but instead straddles the line between farce and Nyquil. Its only saving grace is the cinematography, which is top notch. However, it can't compensate for the fact that sitting through this 2-hour movie felt like a lifetime. A boring, pointless, boring lifetime.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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1

StriderKiwiDec 26, 2013

Bad action scenes that come and go way too fast. Bad writing and dialgoue. A dull narrative and uninspired acting all around, and some great cg for a not so great everything else. I love Keanu Reeves as an actor, and I was sure I'd love thisBad action scenes that come and go way too fast. Bad writing and dialgoue. A dull narrative and uninspired acting all around, and some great cg for a not so great everything else. I love Keanu Reeves as an actor, and I was sure I'd love this movie but 47 Ronin is nothing short of a colossal disappointment.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

ThegodfathersonDec 25, 2013

47 Ronin is a serviceable action movie that fails to either capture the emotional essence of the titular tale or bring anything genuinely fresh, invigorating, or memorable to its rendition. Character, relationship, and coherent tone are all47 Ronin is a serviceable action movie that fails to either capture the emotional essence of the titular tale or bring anything genuinely fresh, invigorating, or memorable to its rendition. Character, relationship, and coherent tone are all sacrificed in service of an attempt to capitalize on an idea that theoretically has an appeal across multiple markets. Mildly entertaining and gorgeous to look at, 47 Ronin has little beneath the surface to recommend it. There are a few good fights, though.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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47 Ronin

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