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47 RONIN Begins Production

47 Ronin Set to Begin Principal Photography.

By Jarrod Sarafin     March 02, 2011
Source: Universal Pictures


Keanu Reeves and cast at the launch of production for 47 RONIN(2011).
© Universal Pictures

After a few months of fast-tracking development, Universal Pictures has announced March 14 as the day when their epic 3D fantasy-adventure, 47 Ronin, begins principal photography. Inspired by ancient Japan's most enduring tale, 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 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.

Joining Reeves in the cast are a who's who of Japanese superstars, including Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai, Sunshine, The Last Samurai) as the clan's chief samurai, Oishi; Kou Shibasaki (The Lady Shogun and Her Men, One Missed Call) as their master's daughter and the love of Kai's life, Mika; Tadanobu Asano (Mongol, Ichi the Killer, Thor) as the treacherous Lord Kira; and Academy Award-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Norwegian Wood) as the mysterious lady Mizuki who executes Kira's every request in his search for ultimate power.

The film is from writers Chris Morgan (Wanted, Fast Five) and Hossein Amini (Drive, The Wings of the Dove). Scott Stuber, Pamela Abdy and Eric McLeod produce the epic. Rinsch leads a behind-the-scenes crew comprised of two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator, Robin Hood); two-time Academy Award-nominated production designer Jan Roelfs (Alexander, Gattaca); editor Craig Wood ("Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy, The Ring); costume designer Penny Rose ("Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy, Evita); special effects producer Paul Corbould (Mamma Mia!, The Wolfman); and visual effects producer Garv Thorp (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Your Highness).

 

COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

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Pendragon0 3/2/2011 6:44:08 AM

And Keanu Reeves is in this because???

lusiphur 3/2/2011 6:48:38 AM

 Not sure Pendragon0.  Maybe he thinks he's turning Japanese.  This sounds like a good movie, but the glaring gaijin in the middle may prove distracting.

Wiseguy 3/2/2011 7:00:51 AM

Because Keanu is THE ONE. Looking forward to this big time, I may be one of the few but I'm a fan of Keanu. I dig his mannerisms and style

LocoLobo73 3/2/2011 7:07:02 AM

Im with Pendrragon , why is Reeves in this movie, its like that old game which one of these dont belong , oh wait i got it the white guy !!!!!.  I am really looking forward to this I just wish Reeves would have stayed home

fatpantz 3/2/2011 8:04:29 AM

46 Ronin and a Hawaiian/Chinese-Canadian

I look forward to seeing Rinsch's premiere film....This guy has some very interesting visions and directing techniques
 

krathwardroid 3/2/2011 9:34:42 AM

What I am thinking is that he may not be ALL Japanese. His character could be written to include his mixed heritage. The character's father may have been an English explorer or something. Either way, I'll be sure to check this out.

fatpantz: You forgot German, too.

pekstrand 3/2/2011 10:18:37 AM

I'm with you wiseguy, I actually enjoy Keanu Reeves. Not the greatest actor, but fun to watch. And fatpntz, if he's Hawaiian, he likely has some japanese in him. I do agree about Carl Erik Rinsch, his short the GIft was really interesting.

senseidan13 3/2/2011 12:37:27 PM

If you like this version, check out a book called "The 47" by B.D. Boone. It's set in the future. Keanu wouldn't have to be Japanese to play the lead in that version. But hey, I'm not one to be that picky with Hollywood today. Hopefully he can pull it off.

monkeyfoot 3/2/2011 12:53:33 PM

This looks like a great idea and am also looking forward to Rinsch feature directing premiere.

I have no problem with Reeves acting style as long as it's used appropriately. This looks like the kind of project he can work with. I also have no problem with the white or "whitish" Keanu in this. It doesn't say here but this film is being done in a similar tone as 300. It will be Bigger Than Life (BTL). The look you are seeing in the Sucker Punch trailers I think. It will have one of its feet well into the fantasy realm, so being historically and ethnically accurate shouldn't matter..

redvector 3/2/2011 12:58:15 PM

I agree that Reeves' ethnicity could be explained by a mixed heritage.  The article does say that his character is an outcast. Being of mixed blood in that time frame would make him an outcast.

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