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

*UPDATED* - EXCLUSIVE: First Look At 47 RONIN!!

**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.

Thanks for the shots Hereford and furiousrabbit!!

Quote Source: MTV