Tag Archives: Japanese

47 Ronin – Impressions

47 Ronin was a mixed bag for me. Admittedly, my expectations were low, and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. I had never heard the original Japanese story, so I can’t speak to the historical accuracy of the events portrayed in the film. Kai’s inclusion was of particular note to me. This is the first time I’ve seen Keanu Reeves play a mixed race character, and I wonder if he was intended to act as a point of entry for white audiences. There were white savior elements in the portrayal of Kai, and on the other hand, there’s something to be said for kick-ass characters who occupy spaces of liminality and hybridity.