Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
2.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/23/2015
A film that could have been so much more than it was. Sounds like studio interference sunk this film - they wanted to punch up and thus the original version was heavily modified. What we have is a film that wants to deliver heart and soul - courage, loyalty and sacrifice but is hampered by too-slick visual effects and relies too heavily on fantasy elements for my taste. Keanu Reeves once again plays a the half-breed would-be samurai with little emotion and the romance angle is weak. That being said, the great Japanese supporting cast, especially Hiroyuki Sanada and Rinko Kikuchi are excellent. All in all, a great effort that ultimately feels a bit wasted.
Rating of
2.5/4
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/24/2014
Highlights were the acting, screenplay and visual effects. On the downside, its fantasy aspect felt out of place. Themes of alienation, loyalty, partial rule-ship, love and a masters vengeance was in full display. If only there was more of the depth of the romance. Nice touch when they invaded the wedding. Felt this was immensely better than 300 which was more ludicrous male testosterone nonsensical violence. If only the fantasy angle was played in the beginning then it would have been a different ball game. Everything started so serious when Kai was adapted. Definitely worth seeing for action/samurai fanatics who dig stunning cinematography, war strategies and a mix of action/fantasy.
Rating of
3.5/4
Norrin - wrote on 01/30/2014
Unfairly trashed samurai epic delivers on all levels. It has a huge budget, so the special effects and technical credits are all first rate. It has a very good story and some excellent acting from its mostly Japanese cast. Keanu Reeves is also fine and delivers a solid performance. An excellent mx of action and fantasy, this movie definitely deserves a second chance as home viewing after its failed theatrical release.
Rating of
3/4
Matthew Brady - wrote on 12/30/2013
Keanu Reeves is not the greastest movie actor ever but he is likeable in really live.47 Ronin. Okay the critics are saying this is the worst movies of the year but I didn't really hate it like the critics, the visual effect's are cartoonest and the acting is a bit werid. and this movie will get a 3/5 star's "not as Bad as people say".
Rating of
2/4
Amy - wrote on 12/30/2013
this movie was... pretty silly, frankly. I was a lot happier with how The Wolverine represented japan than this, oddly enough. but it was not without its pleasures... some lovely scenery and costumes and there's one part with a kabuki play which is pretty cool. I think possibly what bothered me the most was that the women were done up with western-style make-up. it's sad to see a spectacle movie like this that clearly cost a ton of money and required an army of people to create, and have it turn out so... lackluster. but I suspect the nytimes is correct when they suggest that a LOT of compromises had to be made to keep the studio happy in exchange for staying true to the story's ending.
