Review of 47 Ronin (2013) by Horsey007 — 21 Jan 2014

Again, the critics show how much out of touch they are with the mainstream general public, as Oscar season approaches they tend to write astonishingly poor reviews and slight any film that would not be considered for an Oscar in attempt to be taken seriously, it is always a bad time to release a movie, especially a fantasy one.

Thankfully, many of us know to ignore these misguided miscreants and their tireless waffle, and this is one such occasion where it does bear fruit to do just that, the critics have yet again, got it horrendously wrong.

47 Ronin is never going to be blockbuster, it attempts to fit into the gap between a cult movie and blockbuster, whilst never really looking to acheiving either, a very similar approach taken with one of Keanu's other successes....The Matrix, nevertheless, still an entertaining movie.

While never hitting the dizzy heights of The Matrix, it does contain enough visual delight to keep the film rolling at a steady pace and does keep your attention, the film has a respectable cast and they all perform admirably in their respective roles.

The movie is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of fantasy and a good vehicle for Keanu, this is where he feels most at home, and the story works to his strengths, he is essentially calling on his experience and throwing in his Neo coolness to good effect, think Neo as a Samurai/Ronin and you will get a good feel of how the film is acted out.

The fighting scenes are nothing particurlarly spectacular, which is a bit of shame, but there are some nice touches here and there, certainly nothing approaching Crouching Tiger martial arts to be had here, but still entertaining nonetheless, however, the swordplay is exquisite and the choreography is well thought out.

Overall a very entertaining film, it's not going to reach blockbuster lever, but it certainly does not deserve the ridiculous and unwarranted gutter trash the critics have written, the film just serves to remind many of us that critics should not be taken seriously or warrant merit, the times they have led filmgoers astray over the quality of a movie beggars belief and this is very much a case in point.

As you can see from the users reviews, it's a film that you shouldn't expect the best from, but it is certainly far from being the worst.