47 Ronin Review

The critics might be unforgiving with 47 Ronin but I was amused with the story and the visuals and some other stuff. Here's my full review. 

47 Ronin follows the story of Kai, a half breed that's been a trained killer and grows up in humility in a prosperous town amidst Shogunate Japan. He falls in love, gets dissed and gets beaten up a lot. The main plot here is a nefarious scheme concocted by Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) and The Witch (Rinko Kikuchi) to take over the good kingdom and dishonor the former lord and his house's name. Then revenge, sword fights and dragons and a twist that you'll probably from a mile away. 

Reeves was a good pick for the role. It's not overdone and he's got the physicality to actually fight people with a katana. It's actually believable that he can jump around lopping peoples' heads off looking like an evil version of Peter Pan. Props for not making everything about him, in all honesty, Reeves had like 60% of the billing which was good because we need to actually like and root the other characters such as Oishi (Hiroyuki Tanada) and Mika (Ko Shibasaki). 

The visuals for the film were nice. Nothing we've never seen before; I did like the character designs for that chimera creature they were hunting as well as for Kikuchi's dragon form. The Tengus creeped me out (which should be good) but their way better than the last Tengus I've seen which was in Power Rangers: The Movie. 

Rinko Kikuchi looked like hell here. She looks like Farrah from Choudenshi Bioman. I'm much displeased... but that's part of the role so it has to be done. I like her character because it's a mix of "I don't care what you think" and "I'll do anything my lord", hell even her mannerisms were well fleshed out (i.e. sitting with her legs open, showing her legs, being deathly flirty with the princess). On the other hand you've got Ko Shibasaki who looks beautiful. Fine, I get that we can't expect her to really kick butt but I'm good with how she was written in this "adaptation" of the classic "47 Ronin" story. She did try and looked fine while doing it, so it's OK. 

Polarized on my look at the actors Hiroyuki Sanada and recent RP visitor Tadanobu Asano. Sanda's role had meat and he brought it to new heights. Asano had potential to really be an evil Nobunaga level character but it was done lazily. Actually that's two strikes now for Asano since he barely played jackshit in Thor: The Dark World (he's Hogun there BTW)

I like the touches of fantasy in this movie. It might not be everybody's cup of tea but I'm sold on that bit. After all, it's not overdone which might also explain why Kai is not using his powers (yes he has) too much in this movie. Oh and I'm giving this film bonus props for adding in Masayuki Deai (Bouken Silver and KyoryuGrey) as one of the Ronins.

Also I recommend seeing this in 2D as the 3D is barely visible. The money you save, you can buy popcorn with. 

47 Ronin is a decent movie. It's not even mediocre well, unless you factor in the fact that it just ripped the 47 Ronin story and twisted it sideways. Yes it might have bombed and is critically disparaged but if you want to wash down your MMFF grease with something more... 'worth your money' then this film is for you.

VERDICT: B++

Special thanks to SOLAR-UIP... 

47 RONIN NOW SHOWING IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE

Keanu Reeves Battles Dragon, Samurai Warriors and Demons in 47 Ronin

Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must seek the help of Kai (Reeves)—a half-breed they once rejected—as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft and wondrous terrors. As this exiled, enslaved outcast becomes their most deadly weapon, he will transform into the hero who inspires this band of outnumbered rebels to seize eternity.

Q: What was it about 47 RONIN that made you want to be a part of it?

A: I loved the themes of honor, revenge and sacrifice in the script as well as the tragic love story. I also liked my character, who was an outsider trying to regain honor.

Q: How have you been involved with this project?

IA:  watched 47 RONIN evolve and change with Carl Rinsch, who paid a lot of respect to all the elements that were inspired by Japanese folklore. Being on this journey and collaborating with Carl on the story has been a great experience.

Q: Speaking of Japanese folklore, were you familiar with the legend of the 47 Ronin before working on the film?

A: I was not familiar with the legend, but as soon as I knew about the project, I did my research and read as much as I could about it. This movie is one of those rare examples of something that comes your way and is just so exciting from the beginning.

Q: You play the lead character of Kai. How do you see him?

A: I think of him as an outsider who yearns to be accepted, like an immigrant. He is honorable and a man of nature, which helps ground him. Kai is also a bit cursed, and he is aware of that.

Q: How did you prepare for this role?

A: Looking at the bigger picture, I basically tried to familiarize myself with the source material and thinking about my character’s place in the story. I always thought the tale of the outsider and these Ronin becoming samurai outsiders was universal because all cities and towns and places have these kinds of events and integration problems that happen. I tried to get in touch with who Kai is and how this affected him. I wanted my character to have a dignity and respect towards the world around him and others. I also wanted him to be capable, to be a hunter and a tracker that is connected to nature.

Q: What kind of training did you go through for the role?

A: I was excited to work with the katana, the Japanese long sword. I trained a lot with the expert Tsuyoshi Abe and worked with the stunt teams. Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Ôishi, also gave me some tips. I did a lot of exercises with the sword and some dieting as well.

Q: Can you briefly talk about the main characters in the story and their relationships with Kai, starting with Lord Asano?

A: Lord Asano is the ruler of Ako. He sort of takes my character under his wing after he has been abandoned and brought up by these Tengu lords, who I think of as monks. I always saw Lord Asano as an enlightened ruler and a paternal figure.

Q: Lord Asano’s right hand is the warrior, Ôishi. How would you explain the relationship between Ôishi and your character?

A: Initially, Ôishi thinks Kai is some kind of a demon, and he grudgingly puts up with him. However, their relationship changes throughout the course of the story. Ôishi asks for Kai’s help to restore the honor of the house of Asano.

Q: You are surrounded by a great Japanese cast. What can you say about Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Ôishi?

A: I had already seen some of Hiroyuki’s work in the past and knew a bit about him, but meeting him was special because he is such a gentlemen and a movie star on an epic level. Hiroyuki is a master actor, and it was wonderful to work with him.

Q: You also worked with great actors like Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi among many others.

A: I had also seen Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi’s work before getting involved in the movie. The truth is that everyone was so excited about this story and participating in the world that Carl Rinsch was creating. We all got along very well and felt we were a part of something special.

Q: What is Carl Rinsch like as a director?

A: Carl is very collaborative and passionate. He is amazing with story, but he is also a visionary with great energy and enthusiasm.

Q: Did you enjoy the martial arts and action side of the shoot?

A: I love shooting action and was very excited to be in a samurai film. The fights were tough but fun to do.

Q: Were there any bumps and bruises along the way?

A: As I was working with great professionals, I didn’t get beat up much, although I did hit Hiroyuki Sanada a couple of times by mistake.

Q: The story wouldn’t work without a powerful villain. Here we have Lord Kira, who is aided by a witch and dark magic to obtain his evil goals.

A: Lord Kira and The Witch both made a great couple and I really thought they managed to put their performance between their teeth, as I would say. I think they are wonderful and delicious villains with even a kind of yearning to them, which made them a bit sympathetic.

Q: In what way did you find Lord Kira and The Witch sympathetic?

A: Lord Kira feels underappreciated. The same thing happens to The Witch, who wants to have this earthly love that he is denying her. In a way, they are victimized by their passions. I liked that sophistication, the complexity of both of them being extroverts that go for what they want but are so wounded at the same time.

Q: You have worked on a number of movies with groundbreaking special effects. 47 RONIN combines CGI with practical effects harbored by the detailed sets that were created for the film.

A: Yes, they built such remarkable sets that made you feel you actually were in that world. There was so much that was there! Then, the work they did with the special effects and the creature creation was awesome.

Q: In this case, what do you believe 3D will add to it all?

A: The filmmakers knew they were making a 3D film from the beginning and everything was considered in that regard. I appreciated that they took the time and effort to work on it specifically. It was great to see the care they took with the story and the storytelling.

Q: What should the audience expect from 47 RONIN?

A: The audience should expect a big movie with great themes. I think it is a film that is entertaining but also has an intimacy to the story and the acting that I hope people will enjoy as well. There is action, drama, love and suspense. It has it all!

“47 RONIN” released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. SHOWING ON JANUARY 8, 2013. Nationwide!

Rinko Kikuchi from Kaiju destroyer in ‘Pacific Rim’ to fighting Keanu Reeves in ‘47 Ronin’

Oscar-nominated RINKO KIKUCHI has shown range and depth with every role she plays.

Landed her first professional role in the Japanese film Ikitai in 1999. Since then, she has displayed her talent as an actress, starring in critically acclaimed Japanese films such as Hole in the Sky and The Taste of Tea, and continues to gain popularity within Japan’s film industry. In Universal Pictures, Oscar®-nominated Rinko Kikuchi, who came to worldwide attention with her stunning performance in Babel and was most recently seen in Pacific Rim, discusses her exposure to the legendary tale ’47 Ronin’ : “I’ve known this story since learning about it at school, but this film will be quite different from versions Japanese audiences have seen before. The creatures, sets and characters are totally new.” Brought onto the production to play the duplicitous Witch, the actress knew there would be challenging days ahead. “My character doesn’t exist in the original version, but she adds a fantasy element to this story and I had a lot of fun with it.”

Kikuchi was thrilled to play such a strong role. The actress sums: “It’s fun to play such a wild female. Carl told me my part would be provocative, sexy and wild. The Witch is a shape-shifter who is clairvoyant and play tricks on others, but she is not a typical witch. She has the heart of a woman, but she just follows her instincts.”

Director Carl Rinsch’s goal has been to show audiences a side to Japan none have ever seen, while simultaneously paying homage to the country’s cultural traditions. “The Japanese want to see something new, too,” Kikuchi adds. “Rather than a traditional story performed and created just by the Japanese, we would love to see this traditional story from a new angle. This film strikes a perfect balance between what is universal and something totally creative and new.”

Kikuchi was catapulted onto the international feature film scene with her Academy Award®-nominated role for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel. Playing the role of young deaf high-schooler Chieko with fervent energy and commitment, Kikuchi achieved an outstanding reputation around the world for her dramatic performance. The film garnered seven Academy Award® nominations, securing Kikuchi’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading young actresses.

Kikuchi followed up her success with a number of highly acclaimed international films such as Rian Johnson’s The Brothers Bloom, with Adrien Brody and Rachel Weisz; Isabel Coixet’s Map of the Sounds of Tokyo, with Serge Lopez; Mikael Håfström’s Shanghai, with John Cusack and Ken Watanabe; and Anh Hung Tran’s Norwegian Wood, a highly anticipated adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s international bestselling novel of the same name. Kikuchi hails from Hadano, Japan, and is a skilled sword fighter as well as an accomplished motorcyclist and horseback rider. In 2007, she was named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch.

‘’47 RONIN’’ is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Showing JANUARY 2014.

47 Ronin Character One-Sheet Spells Epic

"47 Ronin" is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch ("The Gift"). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before.

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 Ronin. 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.

“47 Ronin” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

Rinko Kikuchi Fangirling Over Teddy Bears

Apparently if you want to sweep actress Rinko Kikuchi (Mako Mori of Pacific Rim) all you have to do is shower her with teddy bears. yes BEARS as in plural. Check out her adorable fangirl-y moments in a toy store in Japan while promoting the film. 

Without much further ado, here she is:

She's skipping with glee!!!! She's skipping!!!

SOURCE 

Pacific Rim Review

Pacific Rim is a movie that no self respecting anime/mecha/sci-fi fan should miss. It's got all the workings of a truly great and entertaining movie.

Guillermo Del Toro once again proves that he is a master of his craft with this heavy metal brawler of a movie. On one corner you've got the invading forces, the Kaiju, wanting to remove humans from the face of the Earth. To counter this, us humans created the Jaegers to combat the kaiju and ensure our future.

On the story: Storywise, this one literally lifts up some key moments from just about any mecha anime/series we've ever seen. The nearest I can think of when it comes to this is the anime series Shinkon Gattai Godannar. Pilot goes on hiatus after tragedy, but is recalled to active service, meets new partner and potential girlfriend. Enemy suddenly gets stronger, show of courage and fortitude, wins the day. People who are looking for more than anything beyond the plot/trope I just mentioned will surely be lacking.

The story has a couple of plotholes but it's something that can be overlooked, after all, this is a movie about giant robots fighting giant monsters from beneath the sea.

On the cast: Del Toro did not cast any big name for the film. And after seeing it, I can understand why. He's not out to reel in fans of big Hollywood stars, they only second fiddle to the real stars of the movie which were non other than the Jaegers.

Only gripe (which could be a major issue depending on what type of moviegoer you are) is that it's really hard to actually RELATE to Charlie Hunnam's Raleigh Beckett. Yeah he's Mr. All American right but the moment he goes on drama mode, you're mind starts to wonder.



Idris Elba as Stacker Pentecost however is another issue. The man is all for brooding and stoicism. Love the accent and the catchy one-liner he delivers towards the end of the movie. The inclusion of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" star Charlie Day was also an inspired number as he gives some of the funniest lines in the film.

I have to give it to Rinko Kikuchi who really shined in this movie. She's frail looking but kicks ass the moment she needs to do so. Sad though that she and Hunnam never had an existing chemistry; which also ended up looking very confusing onscreen. Are they friends? lovers? Something in between? Or is Beckett simply looking out for Mako Mori (Kikuchi) on a brother-sister kinda thing.

And then there was Ron Perlman who plays blackmarket guy Hannibal Chau; his was Hellboy minus the red makeup and the gun (although he's still in red). He had some great moments in PR as well but what really bugs me is that fact that his role is a somewhat an extended cameo, a 'hey there' to Del Toro fans who stood with the director.

On the visuals: THE VISUALS WERE SPECTACULAR. The Jaegers were dirty and messy and it's just perfect. Much like how Metal Gear director Hideo Kojima stated in his tweet barrage, The kaijus were terrifying and seeing 'Knifehead' in Alaska took me back to the first time I saw the T-Rex in Spielberg's "Jurrasic Park". Everything was designed to look so gritty, heck even the Bone City in Hong Kong looks beautiful.

The whole visuals are beautiful gets magnified fifty times over once the fighting in the ocean floor or in a busy Hong Kong street. There's a lot of stuff going on but you'll be transfixed. I know I did.

Again, I cannot stress how important it is to see this film on an IMAX screen. It's not because of the 3D but because it truly becomes BIG when you see it projected in a huge ass screen.

Finally, I loved the touches of anime in this film. It was very evident that they knew what people loved about those Mecha Romance trios such as giant swords, one-liners before a finishers, breathtaking fisticuffs.

Overall, I think the film was superbly crafted and well paced. It had a couple of blips but if you truly love grand robot movies (which is very rare even in Hollywood standards), then you really should catch the movie. 

Pacific Rim is now showing nationwide and it's distributed locally by Warner Bros. Philippines. If you're still hesitant, here's trailer # 3 for the film to reel you in. 

Five Good Reasons to See Pacific Rim

Guillermo Del Toro's Pacific Rim is about to hit theaters in a few days so I wanted to write something as to why it's important that you see this movie which stars Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman and Rinko Kikuchi.

1. Guillermo Del Toro directs

Master director Guillermo Del Toro put his heart into this project. And whenever Del Toro puts his heart into a project, you can bank on it being great. Look at the two Hellboy movies plus Pan's Labyrinth. Heck just read my review of Mama and you'll see that all his works are stunningly beautiful in one way or another.


2. There's Kaiju or Giant Monsters in it

Honestly, will you ever even doubt for a second that a movie which will feature half a dozen or so 'kaijus' or giant monsters is not worth seeing. Hell, we all lined up to see J.J. Abrams' Cloverfield despite the fact that we only have a total of 15 minutes worth of 'widescreen' footage of the monster? Pacific Rim is a movie of gargantuan proportions and destruction. Not worth seeing? Not bloody likely.

3. Giant Robots are here to cancel the apocalypse

Sure calling the mechs "jaegers" might not be as hardcore as a different name but hey a giant robot is still a giant robot. And  they have pilots to control their actions. Also from a production/ technical standpoint, the mechs that they use in "Pacific Rim" are well designed and visually appealing. Not so horrendous as those B-movie robot films from the 90s. Oh and the word "jaeger" is German for "hunter"; so how's that not badass?

4. Stars of their own caliber. 

People may argue that actors like Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam and the rest of the movie won't draw in crowds in theaters like say Brad Pitt and World War Z. But you can't go and argue that these guys and gals have their own crowd. Elba's a staple in a lot of superhero movies, he's not yet the stereotypical black guy in the movie so that's good. Charlie Hunnam is kicking butt in "Sons of Anarchy" which is enjoying a good run on TV. His co-star on "Sons" Ron Perlman is also in this flick. The same goes for  comedian Charlie Day and actress Rinko Kikuchi.

5. Hideo Kojimo among others swear by the movie.

Metal Gear boss man Hideo Kojima did an eight round tweet session after seeing the movie. Here's what he said:

Other celebs who swear that this movie is epic include: Kanye West, Emma Watson and more.

Catch "Pacific Rim" when it opens July 11. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. 

Pacific Rim Puts Manila in Kaiju's Destructive Path

Manila once again gets special mention, this time in the main trailer of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' “Pacific Rim.”

As narrated in the trailer, which can be viewed HERE, Manila is the second city to be attacked by alien-like sea monsters originating in the Pacific Ocean. Scenes pertaining to the Manila attack are also featured, which are expected to create a sensation when the film opens locally in July.

More Screenshots from the New Pacific Rim Trailer

Adding more screenshots from the trailer of Guillermo Del Torro's "Pacific Rim" simply because they're just to bad-ass not to share.I originally added three screenshots when I posted the Pacific Rim trailer hours ago, but I decided to post more so here they are. 

More images after the cut.

The mere fact that these bad boys can fight underwater teases a lot of possibilities

Nothing spells widescreen better than a widescreen style delivery

Pacific Rim opens July 11 and is locally distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.