Some films seem to be hated by critics off the bat: After Earth, Lady in the Water and now 47 Ronin joins that list. A film that merges history and fantasy and evades the white man saviour complex we see in movies such as The Last Samurai, Avatar and so forth seems to be blasted by the guys on rottentomatoes.com and most American critics, Maara why? I don't know.
Based on a legendary story about 18th century Japan, in which 47 Samurai warriors, having seen their master slain (marking them as dishonored “ronin”), embark on a perilous mission of revenge as their last act.
This version keeps the setting but adds some supernatural elements to the tale - something like 300 meets folk tales. There are dragons, ogres, witches and more - side by side with actual historical figures. There are stock characters ( i.e. Archetypes) the honourable leader, the funny fat guy, the hated outsider, the decadent bad guy, epic scenary ... it's all there for a tale and half.
The production quality is superb - the costumes, the sets and the visual effects on the characters are not just great to look at but give us a different perspective from the American dominated iconography of the fantasy genre. It's cool to see different cultures and their own mythology on screen.
It is this blend of myth-visual effects and story that really makes 47 Ronin work for me. Then there's Keanu Reeves who does not come across as the white saviour but is part of the team. The film is littered with Japanesse stars who also have to carry the film. Keanu's character is well explained in the story and, surprisingly, the story does not entirely become about him. Although, we could have done without the love story but hey, that's a minor downer compared to what the movie gives.
I love "the code" of the film ... in a world where everything is watered down and made kiddie friendly, i love how the film holds to the logic of the film and the code of the Samurai. The film does not betray it's Japanese roots. It's a gem of a movie ... pity the Americans are busy trashing it but there's a gold here - this is going to be a cult hit. Watch this space.