DISQUS

Alericc · 12 months ago

Uh Rob, you need to delve a little deeper into the 47 Ronin tale. It is held by most Samurai up to the current day as the true Samuri code of duty and respect for your lord and leader.

Check out this link and then tell me this doesn't sound like a tale that could be made into a good movie if done well.

http://www.samurai-archives.com/ronin.html

Rob_Hunter · 12 months ago

Okay Aleric, I've delved deeper. And yes, THAT STORY would make an interesting character drama as the Ronin pretend to go about their lives, culminating with a bloody attack and a suspenseful trial. The movie above is reportedly going to involve fantasy elements though, a la The Lord of the Rings... hence my sarcastic closing line "Thank you Hollywood for taking this boring tale of sacrifice, honor, and loyalty, and turning it into a special effects extravaganza."

However, I stand by my comment that this particular aspect of the Samurai code of duty is ridiculous. Suicide is a waste except in cases where you have nothing left to offer the world. Killing yourself out of honor, duty, or respect is ludicrous and uninteresting.

But thanks for the link!

Bob Funn · 12 months ago

[FACE-PALM]

Dengar · 12 months ago

Ok, Samurai code aside, am I the only one who is pissed by another possible good film, soiled by Keanu and his bland acting. They have got to stop putting this guy in every sci-fi/kung fu movie that's made.

Tom Cruise as the last samurai was bad enough. I'm positive this movie will blow.

Oh, and I think Seppuku is a cool ritual, if handled right. Its all about honor. I'm sure this movie will be crap, and soil the Samurai legacy, but I will be content with my Shogun Assassin films... so good!

Alericc · 12 months ago

Lol, no problem Rob, just didn't want you to think the legend of the 47 Ronin's was a silly anime remake.

My response to your disdain for the ritual of seppuku is also in conflict. The whole purpose of the Bushido Code is to place your Honor and Reputation above that of your life. In other words your life is only worth whom you serve and your actions. If either is compromised then in Feudal Japan you were not considered worthy of life and could be killed on sight. This is what sets the commoners in Japan apart from the ruling classes and Samurai. Without the code they would simply be soldiers and not have that air of awe that makes a lot of the Samurai movies we see today appealing.

Having said all that I do agree with you that to jazz up this legend with special effects and named Caucasian stars is not appealing to me as well. Even though I am one of the few fans of Keanu Reeves when he is in a movie that fits his style, it seems a stretch to me as well. Tom Cruise clinches the unbelievable aspect.

jay · 12 months ago

Doesn't anyone know this WAS a Japanese film, and very popular in Japan before WW2?

jack2jack · 12 months ago

Ooch! Tell me how you really feel! LOL!

Gretchen · 12 months ago

Nope, you're not the only one. The Day the Earth Stood Still looks perfect for Keanu: that character is SUPPOSED to be wooden & emotionless. ;) IMHO to put any caucasian actor in any role for a movie like this is offensive. After having read the link Alericc posted (thank you - very informative!), I'd like to see Jackie Chan as Oishi, or Jet Li would kick ass too. James Hong would be perfect as Kira; he's played some very creepy villains before. Any other ideas...?

Alericc · 12 months ago

The legend itself has been the theme of many Japanese movies since WW II. Even Kurosawa stated that it influenced him and most of his peers when he started directing movies.

Alericc · 12 months ago

The only problem I see with using the actors you mentioned is that they are not Japanese but Korean or of Chinese decent. There are many good japanese actors who could fill the roles, but they are not well known in America so the traditional Hollywood wont use them.

That aside they are using caucasians so I guess anyone is game for the roles.....lol.

Dengar · 12 months ago

The only movies that fit Keanu Reeves were the Bill and Ted series. He should focus on getting a third one of those out there. Now that I might see. But George Carlin is dead, so maybe not.

I'm sorry though, I can't get over what an unbelievably bad idea this movie is. Tom Cruise and Keanu in any film together is terrible enough.

You can jazz up a piece of shit as much as you want, but it will still be shit.

jack2jack · 12 months ago

I'm in the huge Keanu Reeves fan category. I think this movie suits him perfectly. Sometimes the less dialogue from him the better. It will be interesting to see supporting cast.; Jet Li, Chow Yun-Fat, Robin Shou can't a girl dream a little.

jack2jack · 12 months ago

I agree with everything you said, although Hollywood would never cast Japanese actors for authenticity sake. So this movie will look like David Carradine in the Kung Fu tv series or Sakini the role Brando played.

kchan · 7 months ago

First of all, the 47 ronin (or Ako gishi) are remembered and honored to this day in Japan. They are buried at Sengakuji and are honored each year by thousands of people. To call their seppuku lame is to display your utter ignorance and disdain or cultural and historic practices that are not yours. When I heard that Keanu Reeves (who I think is a utterly horrible actor in the real sense of the word) would play one of the ronin, I was very, very disheartened.....he can play some roles which don't stretch his basic personality, but he is very, very lacking in true acting talent. To cast him in this role is really dishonoring the story of the ronin....but I guess that 's HOllyweird. I am saddened by the casting and by your comments.....

b · 5 months ago

Firts i want you to know that the 47 ronin is not a borinf story! Its a story about honor and truth. When his master died, every one on his clan lost the warrior job. Oly the 47 more loyal warriors joined the rebelion. And it was not 47 ronin against one guy, it was 47 ronin agains one powerfull guy who had many body guards and all politics by his side.It was like kill a mayor. So the pnishiment for that was obviously death.
stop saying shit if you dont know nothing about history, and yes, keanu reevs is half asian you fucking dumb.