47 Ronin--Just Okay

I saw the movie 47 Ronin last night with my family, and I just wasn't that impressed with it as far as what I expected. What did I expect? I expected an exciting, action-packed thrilling ride with a mixture of fantasy, romance, and adventure, and all based on the true story of the 47 Ronin set during the times of Feudal Japan.

What did I get? Well, there was some fantasy, so check, there was some romance, so check, there was some adventure, and check, but even though there was some action, it wasn't action packed, so no check. And as for exciting? No check. It wasn't exciting. Not really.

And as for the other items that did find a check, you'll note I only said there was SOME, but in none of the cases were there a lot. Not even close.

Well, the fantasy was there, and just enough to be acceptable, because I didn't want too much fantasy in what was supposed to have been based on a true story. But the adventure fell short. Being set in feudal Japan, with witches, demons, samurai warriors, and a Shogun, how could it not have had adventure? Still, this movie fell short on adventure, and that's not all. For a movie like that, I would have wanted more action, too, more romance, and absolutely more excitement.

Because it was void of excitement. Maybe Keanu Reeves is getting too old for a part like that. Maybe he was just young enough, but imo, he didn't LOOK young enough. He looked too old. No, he wasn't wrinkled, or gray haired, but he was far from the young, vital, and energetic character we all saw in the Matrix movies. Had he looked like that, it would have been much better, but he didn't, and it wasn't. I know time catches up with all of us, but considering it's catching up with him, just as it is with other stars of his generation, maybe it would have been wise to seek out an actor still in his thirties. Especially since the romantic subplot had him paired with a very young and beautiful Japanese girl, and the story made it clear that they were supposed to be the same age, because they met as kids, and they were about the same age as kids. But as adults, Keanu was waaayy older than the young Japanese actress who played the part of the Japanese girl who had grown up.



Keanu in 47 Ronin-too old

But that infers that the lack of excitement was Keanu's fault. And that really is not entirely true. I think the lack of excitement had a lot to do with the directing. It could have been much better. A great director would have made all the difference, if you want to talk bottom line. Because a great director can get great acting out of his actors. So what about the acting? Well, the Japanese actors speaking English left a lot to be desired. That's my take on the overall performances of the actors. Not that Japanese actors speaking English can't get it done. They can, and I've seen it, but this time? No.

Keanu in The Matrix. Just right, minus the shades

The story line? Or screenplay? Could have been better. There were some good scenes, and the story over all, I understand, had to follow, more or less, the true story, but I came out of that theater feeling unsatisfied, and for all of the above reasons. If only one of them had been addressed, perhaps I would have felt differently. I know I would have.

But the movie wasn't a failure. It was okay. Just okay. But really, okay is just not good enough. I don't think so. And I don't believe anyone else thinks so either. It could have been great. Unfortunately, it wasn't.