Rating of
2.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/23/15
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.
