47 Ronin

It's a sad, stark display of everything that can go wrong while making a movie, and budding filmmakers can probably use the behind the scenes stories to know what not to do while making a film.

The movie mixes many elements, but the overall tapestry looks good. An American-accented Kai amongst hardcore Japanese warriors is not jarring.

Unfortunately, this strong narrative lacks the charm to touch you emotionally. One can`t put a pulse on what is wrong with Carl Rinsch`s directorial venture. Probably it`s the blend of fantasy along with high-tech images and treatment of the story, that has robbed the viewer of an emotional quotient. Nevertheless, "47 Ronin" is a better than an average film that would appeal to lovers of period drama.

While the visuals and production design catches the eye, it's the screenplay which hits a few bumps. You never really empathize with the characters because the focus is more on Kai rather than the 47 Ronins and within them, it's mostly about Oishi. There are a few dull moments in the second half, when you want the director to really get on with it.

Maybe Keanu Reeves has so been loved as Neo that accepting him as Kai is a bit difficult. All in all, it is a one-time watch. But that's all. Nothing to take home.

There are 20 minutes of action but the remaining 90-odd ones are lackluster with director Carl Eric Rinsch struggling with the legend.