47 RONIN: CFQ Spotlight Podcast 4:49.1

Keanu Reeves (left) and Hiroyuki Sanada take on the challenges of a mystical Japan in 47 RONIN.
Keanu Reeves (left) and Hiroyuki Sanada take on the challenges of a mystical Japan in 47 RONIN.

All things considered, there are definitely worse ways to see out the year. 47 RONIN, the historical fantasy mash-up that sees Keanu Reeves inserted — along with witches, dragons, and mystical warriors — into the legendary tale of a samurai revolt, may not be the high-water-mark in fantastic film for 2013. But in its gripping story, its fine cast — including Hiroyuki Sanada as a  samurai seeking vengeance on the duplicitous Lord who disgraced his master, Rinko Kikuchi (late of PACIFIC RIM) as a scheming witch, and Kô Shibasaki as a doomed love-interest for Reeves — and its ability to respect the legend and the culture of feudal Japan while still delivering up the kinds of fantastical creatures and fleet action sequences that can satisfy modern audiences, it certainly makes for some corking entertainment.
Cinfantastique Online’s Steve Biodrowski and Dan Persons sit down to express their not inconsiderable delight at closing out the year by celebrating a film that easily, and happily, exceeded their expectations. Click on the player to hear the show.

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