The story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most famous tales of the Samurai era. A story that has been passed down over the years and made into numerous films. It's a classic saga of betrayal, loyalty and sacrifice that makes it perfect for cinematic treatment. The Hollywood version in 2013 proved controversial in it's addition of fantasy elements and the casting of Keanu Reeves in the lead role. In addition to this controversy it was also critically panned. That alone makes the idea of a sequel daunting viewing. Those familiar with the story will also know that it's not exactly one that allows for a follow up. I'm sure the producers will have thought of that and have a completely compelling new narrative for this potential issue…..right??
“Blade of the 47 Ronin” is streaming on Netflix
The witch Yuri (Daniel Southworth) seeks to gain both the witch blade and warrior blade so that they may be combined to provide him with power. A prophecy foretells that one the last descendent of the 47 Ronin may be able to slay him and prevent this. Lord Shinshiro (Mark Dacascos) arrives in Budapest with the aim of finding the remaining descendent. Onami (Teresa Ting) seeks out the ronin Reo (Mike Moh) who was ostracized from the clan but seeks to return. He has already located Luna (Anna Akana), an American petty thief whom they believe to be the one. After a run in with Yuri's ninja's she reluctantly joins forces with them but the truth is not always what it might seem. As the time of the blood moon approaches she must learn to accept her destiny before Yuri can attain the ultimate victory.
Somewhere within “Blade of the 47 Ronin” is a decent feature with some potential. Unfortunately though the longer it progresses the more it's flaws get magnified. Firstly there is the tenuous link to the original. It's all explained away in a couple of lines of dialogue. Take this out of the equation and it may as well not exist as a follow up. It doesn't need to be and is only really the case to allow it a bit more name recognition. Given that the 2013 edition manage to annoy purists of the 47 Ronin story by it's additions as well as more casual viewers by being not very good, it probably would have actually benefited by standing alone. All it does is actually lower expectations at the outset.
Secondly, it loses sight of what it wants to be. The first half actually has some pretty good lines “I don't need the protection of a John Wick fanboy” is thrown out there by Luna. A nice in joke given Keanu Reeves's presence in the original and Mark Dacascos appearing in the John Wick franchise. This knowing sense of it's own absurdity is refreshing and allows a bit more engagement as everyone knows this is not going to be high art. As it progresses it becomes more serious and loses that sense of fun. The over familiar “prophesy” storyline leads it to becoming just another mid to low budget American martial arts movie with all the cod philosophy that we come to expect.
It makes sense to treat it as a Manga\Anime style modern day samurai flick as then allows us to pass over some of the otherwise real life problems it would otherwise encounter. Onami and Mai are dressed in attire more suited to anime than traditional warrior garb. Also Budapest must have the worst customs service in an airport. How did all the swords get through, they clearly make no effort to hide them and are walking around the streets of the city with full weaponry. Not exactly a good look for their tourist board. Once again Ninja's prove to be ineffective, which does lead to another question as to where evil warlords do their recruitment as given the their inability to land any damage does question the interview processes. The fight scenes feature a lot of slow motion which may be more to mask the capabilities of the participants and feature the usual CGI blood spurts which do not always come across well on screen. The editor for this is the wonderfully named Chuck Norris!
Acting is a mixed bag. Mark Dacascos has the best presence of the main cast and able to back it up with his physical prowess. Former Power Ranger Daniel Southworth enjoys himself as the evil Yuri but they are let down by Anna Akana phoning it in as Luna. She looks bored most of the time and it leaves a gaping whole in the core of the feature as engagement wanes the longer it progresses. Teresa Ting and Michael Moh do their best with their parts, but they are one-note characters and can only do so much.
This is a movie that sadly doesn't need to exist. It is just an exploitative in name only sequel to a feature that didn't need one. There are elements in here that with a better thought out narrative, casting and some tighter action sequences and you would have a perfectly serviceable slice of martial arts action. By loading a title onto it that actually makes anticipation even less then all it is doing is reverse marketing by making people want to avoid it. It passes the time but realistically “Blade of the 47 Ronin” is like a competent ninja, blink and you'll never notice it was there.
