47 Ronin (2013 film)
| 47 Ronin | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Carl Erik Rinsch |
| Screenplay by | Chris Morgan Hossein Amini |
| Produced by | Scott Stuber Pamela Abdy Eric McLeod |
| Starring | Keanu Reeves |
| Cinematography | John Mathieson |
| Edited by | Craig Wood |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Budget | $170 million |
47 Ronin is a 2012 fantasy-adventure film depicting a fictional account of the forty-seven Ronin, a real-life group of 18th-century samurai who avenge the murder of their master. The American studio Universal Pictures is producing the adaptation. The film is directed by Carl Erik Rinsch and stars Keanu Reeves and an ensemble of Japanese actors. Filming started in Budapest in March 2011; it moved to Shepperton Studios in London and will conclude in Japan. The film is scheduled to be released in November 21, 2012.
Synopsis
The outcast Kai (Reeves) joins a group of samurai, led by Oishi (Sanada), who seek vengeance on Lord Kira (Asano), who killed their master and banished the group. The samurai embark on a journey whose challenges would defeat most warriors.[1]
Cast
- Keanu Reeves as Kai, an outcast who joins the group of samurai.[1] Reeves's character is half-Japanese and half-British; the character was created for the film.[2]
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Oishi, leader of the samurai[1]
- Kou Shibasaki as Mika, the slain master's daughter and Kai's love[1]
- Tadanobu Asano as Lord Kira, who killed the samurais' master[1]
- Rinko Kikuchi as Mizuki, a lady who serves Lord Kira[1]
- Jin Akanishi as Chikara Oishi, Oishi's son[3]
Production
47 Ronin is directed by Carl Erik Rinsch based on a screenplay by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini. While the film is based on the true story of the forty-seven Ronin, it is a fantastical take, being set "in a world of witches and giants".[4] The studio Universal Pictures first announced the project in December 2008 with actor Keanu Reeves attached to star. Variety reported, "The film will tell a stylized version of the story, mixing fantasy elements of the sort seen in 'The Lord of the Rings' pics, with gritty battle scenes akin to those in films such as 'Gladiator.'" Universal planned to produce the film in 2009 after finding a director.[5] In November 2009, Universal entered talks with Rinsch to direct the film. For Rinsch, who has filmed "visual and stylish" blurbs for brands, the film is his feature film debut.[6]
In December 2010, the studio announced that the film would be produced and released in 3D.[7] In March 2011, four Japanese actors were cast alongside Reeves: Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi, and Kou Shibasaki. According to Variety, Universal chose them to make the story more authentic instead of choosing actors that would be recognizable in the United States.[8] Universal is providing Rinsch with a production budget of $170 million despite his lack of feature film experience, which The Hollywood Reporter considered to be a "large-scale, downright risky" move. Filming began on March 14, 2011 in Budapest.[9] Production moved to Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom; additional filming in Japan is also planned.[2] Reeves said that scenes are filmed first in the Japanese language to familiarize the cast, and the scenes are filmed again in the English language.[4]
Release
47 Ronin is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2012.[10]
See also
The following films also about the forty-seven Ronin are the best known to the Western world.[4]
- The 47 Ronin (1941)
- 47 Samurai (1962)
References
- ^ a b c d e f "47 Ronin Start of Principal Photography Announced". ComingSoon.net. March 1, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ a b Blair, Gavin J. (March 2, 2011). "Japanese Cast Announced for Keanu Reeves' '47 Ronin'". The Hollywood Reporter.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Pang, Lauren (April 14, 2011). "Jin Akanishi set to star in 47 Ronin". Asia Pacific Arts. University of Southern California.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c Boucher, Geoff (May 24, 2011). "Keanu Reeves and '47 Ronin' search for 'honor, revenge and impossible love'". Los Angeles Times.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Fleming, Michael (December 8, 2008). "Keanu Reeves to lead '47 Ronin'". Variety.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Fleming, Michael (November 17, 2009). "Universal circles Rinsch for '47 Ronin'". Variety.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "47 Ronin Goes 3D". ComingSoon.net. December 9, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ Kroll, Justin (March 1, 2011). "Four Japanese actors join '47 Ronin'". Variety.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (February 20, 2011). "Studios handing big films to untested directors". Reuters.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ McClintock, Pamela (October 29, 2010). "Universal set 2012 schedule". Variety.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)