Monsters battle outcast samurai in Universal Pictures` 47 RONIN. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2013 Universal StudiosSource: Universal Pictures press release, Toho Towa Official Site: 47roninmovie.com (US), 47ronin.jp (Japan) Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 RONIN, Universal Pictures` epic 3D fantasy-adventure. Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. 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.
Theatrical poster of Keanu Reeves as Kai. Image courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2013 Universal StudiosWhile 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. 47 RONIN will be released in Japan by Toho Towa on December 6, and in the United States by Universal on December 25, 2013. After the treacherous warlord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) 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 -- 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. Helmed by director Carl Rinsch (THE GIFT), 47 RONIN is produced by Pamela Abdy (IDENTITY THIEF, upcoming ENDLESS LOVE) and Eric McLeod (MR. & MRS. SMITH, AUSTIN POWERS series). US Release: December 25, 2013 Genre: Epic 3D action-adventure Cast: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Rinko Kikuchi, Ko Shibasaki Directed by: Carl Rinsch Screenplay by: Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini Screen Story by: Chris Morgan & Walter Hamada Produced by: Pamela Abdy, Eric McLeod Executive Producers: Scott Stuber, Chris Fenton, Walter Hamada
For more information on 47 RONIN, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: