This film takes the tale of the 47 Ronin, alters the
location and time it takes place and changes a few more details before the end
of the film. The tale of a group of dedicated warriors whose master is killed
and who wait for revenge has been used more than once and in some cases more
effectively. But this version has its ups and downs, the end result of which is
a movie that’s enjoyable for one viewing but perhaps not repeat playings.
In a time unspecified (I would assume the future after war
has altered the world since the members of the various members of the group and
of the ruling class come from different races and ages), the Emperor rules with
the assistance of Gezza Mott (Aksel Hennie), a tyrannical sort who has resorted
to not only raising taxes on the people but a more or less blackmail of all
feudal lords as well. This does not set well with Bartok (Morgan Freeman), a
lord who refuses to pay. In so doing his life is forfeit and his execution at
the hands of his lead warrior Raiden (Clive Owen) is called for.
Once his lord has been killed the lands of Bartok are
divided among the remaining lords and his family scattered. His warriors are
cast aside as leaderless men, tossed aside to find menial positions from which
to make a living. Having been cast as warrior elite whose main purpose was to
stand in honor for their lord and master, they now have nothing left to be
loyal too. Raiden falls the furthest from the group, returning to the drunken
life he once led before he became a knight, saved by Bartok oh so long ago.
Gezza Mott remains doubtful and has his own right hand man
keep an eye on Raiden. Fearing that attempts will be made on his life with
revenge as their intent, he tries to pressure Raiden into acting. But Raiden
has fallen deeper than expected, going so far as to sell his sword for the
price of a drink. The emperor’s high council member passes and he elevates Mott
to this position. Before doing so he tells Mott to discontinue his spying on
Raiden. Mott does so and from there things begin to change.
If you know the story of the 47 Ronin then you know what is
coming. If not don’t let me ruin it for you. Suffice to say that this telling
of the famous story does a decent job once things begin moving forward. But it
is in getting to that point that the movie is ruined to an extent. It takes
nearly 2/3 of the film, moving at an incredibly slow pace, to get to the best
parts. What you would think is an action film has less action than one would
expect. A nice sequence at the film’s opening and then in the last 20-30
minutes or so help but not enough.
The acting is a bit higher than most films of this sort with
Owens doing a great job in a role he’s become used to over the years having
already starred as King Arthur at one time. Freeman is solid in his performance
but it is far too short when you consider his name is above the title here. The
rest of the cast hold their own as well making them a formidable force not just
as the knights but as performers as well.
The movie is better than one would expect in some ways,
worse in others and in the end a movie that is worth watching at least once.
Those who expect to watch it over and over again are either Owens fans, sword
play fans or those whose expectations are not of the highest order. Still, it entertains
and is worth a night’s rental.
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