We've got the second trailer for Universal Pictures and director Carl Rinsch's 47 RONIN starring Keanu Reeves and it's looking better still! Love the visuals in this native 3D production.
Here's the storyline for the movie: Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord 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 (Reeves) - 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.
A new Japanese trailer for Carl Rinsch's 47 RONIN has dropped and unfortunately it's not in HD, but still definitely worth watching! Some great new shots. Love the scale of this thing. I knew the budget was of note during production but it looks like those dollars are definitely being represented in the final product. Can't wait to see this in HD.
Here's the storyline for the movie: Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord 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 (Reeves) - 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.
Tim here, and this trailer for 47 Ronin came out a few days ago, but flew a little under the radar because of all the Gravity hype. I apologize for that. However, it's below for you to enjoy!
The film centers around a band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
Visually the film looks stunning. It was shot natively in 3D with the ARRI ALEXA! The trailer is heavily action oriented, and has an intense sound mix. Check it out for yourself!
Universal has changed the release schedule of a couple of their 3D movies - namely 47 RONIN and JURASSIC PARK 3D.
Everything we've heard and seen from Keanu Reeves new samurai movie 47 RONIN looks like it's really going to impress. The movie has been moved from February to Christmas 2013 (and it was originally slated for a November 2012 launch). Director Carl Rinsch probably has some fairly intense visual effects that need to be perfected and thus the time shift. An argument can certainly be made that the move wasn't done as a defensive maneuver as Christmas is a much more crowded market than February. Further, Universal has pulled up JURASSIC PARK 3D from July 19 to April 5, 2013. Generally this move is being seen as simply a better marketplace for revisiting Steven Spielberg's dinosaur classic - now sporting a modern new 3D conversion.
Looks like these moves make a lot of sense, so I'm happy in the end...
I actually like this move other than the fact we will have to wait a few more months to see it. Universal has decided to move 47 RONIN from November 11 of this year to February 8, 2013 and have not given a reason for the decision (standard practice).
The move frees the film from having to go up against two other anticipated, tentpole 3D movies - THE HOBBIT and GRAVITY. Good idea. In February 47 RONIN only has to deal with another 2D iteration of the DIE HARD franchise.
It also clears the way to add or improve on the visual effects of the movie in post production which seems like a good idea when you have so many good things going for it (story, casting, score, costume design). Here is how Keanu Reeves has described the movie: It’s in 3D. It’s kind of a western. I call it a story of revenge and impossible love. The samurai become ronin, outcast, and decide to enact revenge on the person who is responsible for the death of their lord. And I play an outsider, a kind of half-breed with a mysterious past named Kai, who’s in love with the princess and she’s in love with me, but we can’t be together. But during this journey and revenge, things change.
Well it's a shame I won't be able to attend CinemaCon this year (first time that's happened in a LONG time - it used to be called ShoWest) and quick frankly it's my favorite convention. It's kind of like a Comic Con for theater owners and it's not open to the public. The previews are amazing (as the owners need to see what's coming down the pipe) and this year is no exception - Warner Bros is showing about 10 minutes of THE HOBBIT in 3D and at 48 frames per second!
So yeah, you can see why I'm disappointed.
Here are some poster shots that I would have normally taken myself if I was there but this time they are courtesy of Steve over at Collider. Have a look!
I'm really amped about 47 RONIN. It's a top flight team making this thing so definitely looking for more info when it becomes available.
Further, the team at 3ality Technica are looking after the 3D for PROMETHEUS, THE HOBBIT, STEP UP REVOLUTION and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN so look for some very cool visuals in these top native 3D productions this year!
I will be keeping you up to speed with all the 3D happenings at CinemaCon 2012 - stay tuned for more!
I am getting VERY excited about this project. Universal's 47 RONIN looks like a movie adding up to be a great theatrical experience from story to visuals to score.
First of all, newcomer director Carl Rinsch (who made an exceptionally good short called THE GIFT) is quite talented - blending his fresh ideas with 47 RONIN is something to look forward to in my books.
Secondly the story itself was written by Hossein Amini (DRIVE, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN) and Chris Morgan (FAST FIVE, WANTED) so with that pedigree you can count on not only an action packed movie, but a visually pleasing one as well.
Speaking of which, the cinematography is by John Mathieson (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, GLADIATOR) so expect no limitations as to what sort of action and gritty aesthetic beauty we'll see here.
Thirdly, the Cameron | Pace Group have lent their expertise to the native 3D production, so clearly a top notch 3D production is on it's way to us.
Finally we now have Atticus Ross (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE BOOK OF ELI) scoring the movie! Trent Reznor will not be working with him but no matter, the talent is undeniable. Look for his unique sound signature on upcoming trailers!
Oh yes, and a great action star in Keanu Reeves! He is playing a mixed race character (Kai) in the movie. His supporting cast is top notch as well with Rinko Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu Asano.
Says Reeves:"Japanese kids grow up with this story told to them. They hear it from family and they learn it in school, it’s part of the culture. It’s been made into movies many times and on television. It’s like our westerns, the story keeps being told. It’s been reworked in some ways [for this new film] but with great care and respect."
Here's the movie's description as paraphrased by Hero Complex: The troupe of banished samurai long to restore their honor and find vengeance against the treacherous Lord Kira (played by Asano, who is in theaters now as Hogun in Thor) who was responsible for the death of their master. Kai is the uneasy compatriot in their company and his standing will be questioned even more as he falls in love with Mika (Shibasaki), daughter of the fallen master. The film presents a quest where the ronin (the term for samurai with no master) face trials that test their mettle and their loyalty to one another.
47 RONIN slashes it's way into theaters on November 21. I'll be first in line!
**UPDATE - November 26** For even more behind the scenes shots check out this link - well worth the click!!
**UPDATE - November 25** I just received another photo(right) of another ronin out of the 47 RONIN and it is now the first photo of this post for simplicity sake.
Here is what the new source "furiousrabbit" had to say: Each of the 47 Ronin's had an exquisitely different, unique costume.
Yes, it makes sense that each ronin would have different equipment as these guys would have all had different lords at some point. They are coming together from an individualistic point of view and not with army cloned attire. Cool.
Hey guys - an exclusive and special treat for you as we have gotten some on set and behind the scenes images from Universal's 47 RONIN!
A very cool MarketSaw reader codenamed "HerefordBoathouse" (a homage to DeNiro's RONIN) sent me these shots taken at Shepperton Studios in London. I can confirm that the movie is in fact being shot in native 3D. Further, they are using Red Epics Arri Alexas (Confirmed through this photo).
The movie also had scenes shot in Budapest, Hungary.
Obviously image 1 is of a robed Keenu Reeves and... I believe I can make out a scare under his right eye.
The second and third images are wardrobe shots of an extra in rather splendid battle attire. Note that in the grey robed shot, he is wielding two swords. He seems to have the same pair of bracers on for both characters. LOVE the boots for the footman soldier's outfit.
From all angles, 47 RONIN looks like a pretty special movie: You have Carl Erik Rinsch directing (a Ridley Scott protégé - in fact he was going to direct PROMETHEUS before Scott was convinced to do it); you have a very special story to tell in this ancient Japanese legend and a script by Chris Morgan (WANTED) and Hossein Amini (DRIVE); you have cinematography by John Mathieson (GLADIATOR - I loved how this movie was shot!) and of course Keenu Reeves (NEO!!!)
Here's the official storyline: "Kai (Reeves), 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. ... 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."
Reeves on 47 RONIN (April 2011): "I call it a story of revenge and impossible love. The samurai become outcast and decide to enact revenge on the person who is responsible for the death of their lord." It's kind of a western and Kai is "an outsider, a kind of half-breed with a mysterious past, who's in love with the princess and she's in love with me, but we can't be together."
"(I) just finished a sword fight a couple of weeks ago with a great actor named Hiroyuki Sanada. He's fantastic."
The other cast members joining Reeves are Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi. These actors are at the top of their game and among the best in Japan. Look for 47 RONIN in theaters on November 21, 2012.
According to Variety, four more actors have joined Keanu Reeves in director Carl Rinsch new imagining of the classic tale of 47 RONIN. These actors are namely Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi - all Japanese actors of the highest caliber.
Universal's 47 RONIN is shaping up to be a major tentpole of 2012. The story revolves around lord-less samurais seeking revenge. The word rōnin literally means "wave man". The term originated in the Nara and Heian periods, when it referred to a serf who had fled or deserted his master's land. It then came to be used for a samurai who had lost his master. Honor obviously plays a huge role set in feudal Japan.
According to the Bushido Shoshinshu (the Code of the Samurai), a samurai was supposed to commit oibara seppuku (also "hara kiri" – ritual suicide) upon the loss of his master. One who chose not to honor the code was "on his own" and was meant to suffer great shame. The undesirability of ronin status was mainly a discrimination imposed by other samurai and by the daimyo (the feudal lords).
Within this framework, these ronin seek to revenge the death of their master. The story has been done before, but with the budget and actors involved this time around I feel we will be in for a treat.
47 RONIN is slated for a November 21, 2012 release in 3D theaters everywhere.
