First Trailer for Long Delayed '47 Ronin' with Keanu Reeves

It's been a long time coming for Keanu Reeves' 47 Ronin, a samurai epic based on the oft-adapted historical tale that many in Japan consider their most important story. The film first got moving a few years ago when up 'n coming director Carl Rinsch came aboard, followed by production problems and a rumored budget soaring over $200M, compounded by delays that caused it to miss its release date last fall. But now with a Christmas date apparently set in stone, and following on the heels of four striking posters, the first trailer has hit the web and it appears the wait was worth it.

The basic premise lays a substantial groundwork for an ambitious tale of samurai "bushido", dazzling sword battles and furious action. Reeves plays a halfbreed outcast who joins with 47 ronin to avenge the forced seppuku (ritual suicide) of their master by an enemy who set the whole thing up. Rinsch, whose stock 'n trade has mostly been in commercials, seems to have a firm grip on the CGI, using it to create some gorgeous images that should meld colorfully with the combat. It's unclear exactly what Reeves' is trying to pull off on the acting side of things, but at least he'll have plenty of support from Rinko Kikuchi (Pacific Rim) and Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine).

Still, this is going to be a tough sell for Universal. These kinds of movies are a niche, and a rapidly declining one, and they'll need to hope Reeves' name still holds enough weight to make a difference at the box office.


47 RONIN - Trailer by dmagianet