Universal Moves 47 RONIN To February 8, 2013

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.

For all our our coverage of 47 RONIN, click here.

Date Change Via BoxOfficeMojo

Atticus Ross Scoring 47 RONIN: Why This Movie Has Everything Going For It!

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!

Source: Film Music Reporter