47 RONIN stars Rinko Kikuchi, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki and Keanu Reeves with director Carl Erik Rinsch. Photo courtesy of Toho Towa. © 2012 Universal Studios

Source: Universal Pictures, Toho Towa press releases Official Site: 47ronin.jp (Japan) From ancient Japan’s most enduring tale, Universal Pictures` epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 RONIN is born. Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) 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. While based on the Japanese story Chushingura, the film crosses the theme of Japanese history with that of modern Hollywood cinema to expand the original story into something completely new. Using the latest CG technology, 47 RONIN will be transformed into a spectacular fantasy in the vein of CLASH OF THE TITANS, GLADIATOR and 300. 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 as the clan’s chief samurai, Oishi. Sanada has starred in such Japanese hits as THE RING and THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI and has a successful Hollywood career with roles in THE LAST SAMURAI, RUSH HOUR 3, SPEED RACER and LOST. Kou Shibasaki (BATTLE ROYALE, ONE MISSED CALL, SINKING OF JAPAN, DORORO, THE LADY SHOGUN AND HER MEN) makes her US debut as their master’s daughter and the love of Kai’s life, Mika. Tadanobu Asano (ICHI THE KILLER, ZATOICHI, MONGOL, THOR, BATTLESHIP) plays the treacherous Lord Kira, and Academy Award-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi (BABEL, NORWEGIAN WOOD, ASSAULT GIRLS) also stars 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 (THE KINGDOM, BATTLESHIP), Pamela Abdy (GARDEN STATE, MAN ON THE MOON) and Eric McLeod (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN`S CHEST and AT WORLD`S END, TROPIC THUNDER) 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). Originally scheduled for release on November 21, 2012, Universal has pushed 47 RONIN to February 8, 2013 to allow sufficient time for post production (including visual effects and 3D). Distributor Toho Towa will open the film in Japan in April 2013. Genre: Epic 3D fantasy-adventure Cast: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi Directed by: Carl Erik Rinsch Screenplay by: Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini Screen Story by: Chris Morgan and Walter Hamada Produced by: Scott Stuber, Pamela Abdy, Eric McLeod