3 Reasons Why I DON'T Recommend 47 Ronin | How it Makes Japanese People Sick and Angry

[@FlyingFocs]

Interestingly, I heard the director wanted to make the film more grounded and close to reality, before the studio pressured him into making it a fantasy epic. This a regular occurrence in Hollywood, and I hate it.

[@tsandman]

Studio Interference killed a lot of movies

[@xasanth6318]

and in the end this is what it is... fiction and not a documentation... you can eigther like it or not... but there is no reason to get upset about inaccurate things... mixed up things and so on...

[@det.bullock4461]

And paradoxically with sci-fi and superheroes it's the opposite. It may work sometimes but being hyperrealistic (or whatever is the studios idea of hyperrealism) with something like, say, Transformers or Greek Mythology is not a great idea.

[@jubesjubes241]

It's because they are too invested in fantasy as is. They know there's a lot of unhappy and ill people, the ones that they pander to the most. It's really always been about the bottom line.

[@JimmyJoeBob]

Hollywood often disrespects western culture as well.

[@erickronin1330]

You can't really blame the Japanese actors for accepting the role. Most of the time, actors just play their parts and have no idea of the context till they see finished product.

[@thegamingfool524]

Japanese are always so hard on each other he probably doesn't even realize it but I'm sure that's his deep subconscious

[@noorur]

So long as the actors were getting paid, that's all that mattered.

[@theundead1600]

Not true. Scripts are not that part and parcels out. As well as table reading happen. It would nuts and sad if none of the actors and actresses had no idea it was a fantasy fiction loosely based on a true story.

[@tsaiskikaewta8470]

And you have to remember that if they would have cast mainly a Caucasian cast there would have been a "whitewash" uproar.

[@zzBaBzz]

We do know. Not only do managers (scout agents, whatever) get that info, but there's this thing called THE SCRIPT. :-)

[@bigboss6867]

I'd like a review of The Magnificent Seven (1960). The director, John Sturges, received praises from Akira Kurosawa for adapting his movie Seven Samurai to fit the American Western genre. Kurosawa was so impressed he sent Sturges a ceremonial sword.

[@John_on_the_mountain]

Thats awesome. Its cool to see movies come full-circle like that. John Ford was one of Akira Kurosawas favorite director (from what I've heard). So, Westerns inspired Kurosawa, who in turn inspired later westerns.

[@kakashiroks]

I think personally I would say it is “loosely based” on the historical story, but that may be a cultural difference on how far you can stretch the term “based on” it may just be more liberally used in America. I totally agree that there is NO reason for such a high budget film to get cultural things wrong. How hard would it be for someone to go to a museum, or pick up a book, or call Shogo and ask him? If you’re going to make a big budget film, do your homework. As for the misuse of a sword; coming from a background of fencing, I totally understand where Shogo is coming from. Swords of any culture are dangerous and lethal things, if you don’t show them respect, they will not show you respect. (It’s a good way to lose a toe or make a quick trip to the surgeon). (Even, fencing weapons, which are really pretty safe are not to be goofed around with. Mishandling them and playing with them like they are toys will get you in trouble and it’s dangerous. You won’t likely lose a hand by mishandling fencing weapons, but I know of people who have lost an eye.)

[@rzt430]

imagine if they made a film about the american civil war and made the uniforms, weapons and cultural aspects a mix of russian, mongolian, and chinese stuff while the characters speak in korean and called it "gettysburg". i'm sure you guys wouldn't be pleased by any suggestion that it was "based on" the original event no matter how loosely so lol

[@wolfereignowns1154]

@@rzt430 Its a movie if it was entertaining it would not matter and i would call out any Idiot who saw it as more than what it is a movie meant to entertain.

[@Akira-jd2zr]

During movies, I would rather native Japanese speaker actually speak Japanese and not English. I am OK with reading subtitles and would prefer to hear the Japanese language spoken instead of poor English, or even good English for that matter.

[@FlyingFocs]

Yeah, this actually bothered me in Memoirs of a Geisha. It also sort of called attention to the fact that most of the actors weren't Japanese.

[@Kiki-D-Kimono]

I agree.

[@hollistantang9469]

I don't mind the language... But I still can't accept the fact Hollywood butchered the original story to create such an abomination.. That is why I barely watch movies these days....

[@johnon1344]

I always feel the same about any language.. it annoys me when Russians, Germans, etc.. are taking to each other in English. Sometimes there’s no one else around.. Put some subtitles up and let them speak there own language

[@shaftnovakoski6017]

Mad respect to the directors who shot his/her movies in the "correct language".

[@mortadasaleh7423]

LOL the thumbnail 🤣🤣 I'm used of seeing Shogo as calm and polite person. But in the thumbnail he's like saying "EWW!" is so funny!

[@lucyadam9128]

@Ed dude me too

[@the2ndcoming135]

😂

[@bigbrowntau]

Yep, another Hollywood movie stomping all over a treasured piece of another culture's history. If it had been a movie that used different names for the characters and wasn't titled "47 Ronin", it would have been a fantasy movie with great fight scenes and some cringe-worthy moments. Butpassing it off as being associated with the historical events just made it insulting. On a happier note, I think you did a remarkable job of reviewing the movie, and gave it a fair description, and contrast to The Last Samurai. It must have been painful at times to make the review. Thank you!

[@sevuvidramus1717]

Yeah I couldn’t stand the film

[@bigbrowntau]

@local swede I'll have to hunt down a copy. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@yusukeelric]

considering raya was like an insult to a lot of indonesians i know of... This isn't going away anytime soon. And dont even get me started on Mulan reception, specially on China.

[@borntoclimb7116]

thats the sad thing

[@Tennouseijin]

Europe also has its share of cringeworthy movies... some 'modern interpretations' of Robin Hood and King Arthur for example, especially if the director wants to push his political views into the movie. And I wonder what the Greeks (and their neighbors) think about the "300" movie. Apparently Iran wasn't happy with the movie depiction of Persians. I guess as long as people don't try to draw ANY conclusions about history from such movies, it's not bad... but sadly, many people do.

[@munkSWE88]

Idea for a movie review, Silence (2016) it's about jesuit priests in Nagasaki during the Edo period.

[@brucekirkpatrick3653]

Better yet..Shinoda Masahiro's earlier version!!!

[@johannramirez2794]

It's a good movie, but very sad and depressing.

[@Lazurath101]

This!!

[@MrEagleflying]

I certainly hope Shogo never has to watch other films that misuse mythology or history. Almost every film runs the disclaimer "not based on any person living or dead" just to limit legal challenges. Watching 47 Ronin to learn Japanese culture is as silly as watching THOR to learn Scandinavian culture or watching The Magnificent Seven to learn Mexican culture. I like the "Let's ask Shogo" videos and enjoy the glimpses of Japan gained. As someone who has a degree in History I would suggest that watching Hollywood films to learn history is always going to disappoint. All that said: Thank you for your honest opinion Sir.

[@SirBrass]

So they did to the 47 Ronin story what they did to Heinlein's "Starship Troopers": took a the name of a beloved tale and slapped a completely different story on it with zero respect for the source material.

[@SirBrass]

@Kalimata101 no, the script for what became starship troopers was already written as "bug hunt", then someone realized they could get more viewing by changing some character names, adding a smattering of setting from the book and then buy the option on Starship Troopers and slap the name on. IIRC, the Heinlein estate tried to get the studio to remove the connection to the book, but lost in court. Verhooven didn't read the book enough to satirize it. He admitted he never read it through to the end. So, just like 47 Ronin, ST has zero relation to the book except some names. They couldn't even get Johnny's ethnicity right. He's Portuguese/Filipino in the book (native language is Tagalog and his mother's side lived in Rio when the bugs nuked it), not white bread North American.

[@timberry4709]

Yeah, that's the first thing I thought of when I saw the movie. I found it equally offensive to the original 47 Ronin tale. I feel the same way about that "Starship Troopers" as he feels about "47 Ronin".

[@NihonNoMajin]

Too eaches own I guess :). As a fellow Japanese and martial artist, I personally liked the movie, and is one of my favorite Keanu films. I wasn't expecting it to be "historically" accurate. They made it quite clear it's more fantasy based. Idk maybe I've been living in America too long, but I highly respect your opinion all the same 🙂.

[@dominicanpowerhouse]

I agree with you, however, I personally believe this to be a terrible movie overall. Entertaining maybe, but terrible. Most individuals would not assume this to be historically accurate. A fantasy movie, is just that, a fantasy. While I can see how people would take offense to it, I also believe that every country that has a movie industry, tends to take 'artistic' freedoms and exaggerate the source material to fit THEIR story.

[@NihonNoMajin]

@@dominicanpowerhouse eh what can you do :). That's the only good thing about the world is we are all different. Though most will agree just to fit in with society and be apart of the niche. I seem to have a knack for liking things people don't like and hating things that "society" likes. For example I use to hate The Last Samurai when I was younger. Only now do I enjoy it.

[@ErraticFaith]

The idea it makes people 'sick and angry' in Japan is laughable at best. If the movie is one of the personal favorites of the headmaster at our koryu, what is he? Suddenly not Japanese? When his lineage is literally traceable to the 1600s? People should stop nitpicking. Have a personal opinion yes but the movie is just fine. Keanu nailed it, within the realms of its aims. Not everything has to be some documentary to be enjoyed and nobody within Japan thought it was in the first place. Of a social media group of 35 thousand Japanese people; you know how many people agree with this video thus far lol? A flat ZERO. Well beyond those who havent ever heard of it in the first place. I rest my case really. I don't watch much as his exaggerated mannerisms and stuttering plain irritate me quite frankly but what I do watch - sans a few technical elements or historical facts -is hardly as lopsided as he presents it. What does he actually know about Japan? Less than me sometimes I suspect. And as a Hong Konger in the middle of oppression, thats just damn sad.

[@emilythestorier4428]

Nice to hear I'm not alone in my thoughts. i don't understand why people are hating on this movie so much. Sure it's historically inaccurate and don't match the story perfect, but I don't see why that makes it "sickening". It's a Hollywood movie, not a documentary.

[@DesertBeagle]

This movie always felt more like a Japanese D&D story than anything else, so I guess I never really thought that deep on it and just went with it.

[@HikaruKatayamma]

When you were talking about taking Superman and changing it, I immediately though "Wait! Have you SEEN what Japan did with Spiderman?" (LOL)

[@keevansixx4185]

hey, supaidaman is a damn national treasure. that giant robot was wicked sick, and the ultimate cringe of the 8 pose call sign will live on for eternity. mechazord spiderman is the best spiderman!

[@wchan39]

Maybe it's because despite the changes, Japanese Spider-Man didn't really insult or disrespect the source material?

[@clementj]

Supaidaman is an actual collaboration with Marvel. Any changes they did are all legit. No disrespect at all.

[@reneemanzoor746]

Thank you so much for your amazingly articulate video. In fact I love all your videos. As a Canadian with mixed ethnic background myself, I know how it feels when one’s culture is misinterpreted by storytellers and the media. I have an exceptional passion, love and respect for the Japanese culture and people. Most of my friends are Japanese and when I visited Japan, trust me I have never received so much love and respect elsewhere ever! The respect and hospitality of the Japanese towards me just blew me away. Kudos to you for your fluency in English. I speak 5 languages myself and took up very basic Japanese at a language institute here in my country (learned only Hiragana). I wish I could continue with learning Japanese and find time throughly busy schedule to do so.

[@yatakarasu98]

May I ask where do you get the little people stock images from? I've seen them in a lot of other places and always wondered about where do they get them from...

[@olimay]

I think in the About Shogo and other background videos he said that Harumi provides illustrations!

[@eggboy6926]

Finally someone who noticed this too haha, I even used to have a series of children's books about science translated from Japanese that had these, I think it's just a style they like to draw this kind of thing in

[@saratanartist]

I watched the film for Keanu Reeves. Honestly, it was a mess! But I enjoyed it for the fantasy elements and Keanu.

[@jessepriest2883]

I had to pause it to say the part about language that you mentioned is a pet peeve of mine. Like in Black Widow, all the main characters are Russian, but they constantly speak English. Which wouldn't be so bad, because movies often stick to the language of the target audience with the understanding that it's sort of "translated", but in Black Widow (and plenty of other movies) they randomly speak Russian so it takes away that idea of translation and makes it look like they're just choosing to speak English. Like in one scene a character is in a Russian prison, speaking English with the other Russian prisoners, then switches to Russian to speak to the guards....

[@amb4367]

I prefer it that other People are Honest, and not that they Lie. You should do more Film Revives.

[@martinevans9757]

Just found your channel, and very much appreciating and enjoying your content. A minor correction regarding Kira: As a Hatamoto of the Shogunate, and head of a Koke family, he certainly had more influence in Edo than Asano, but he was not a landed Damiyo; He was paid a stipend of 4200 koku, far less than Asano's holdings of 50,000 koku in Harima province. Looking forward to watching more of your excellent videos!

[@KiaraKitsune]

I would want a review of James Clavells "Shogun"

[@42kellys]

Yeah, me too. That would greatly interest me as well.

[@lazyferrretwhoever2257]

Yes was thinking the same thing.

[@shuunknown]

Oh no...

[@djstevie69]

It's being remade as we speak. I dread to see what they do of... the, adapted, story of William Adams. :D

[@lazyferrretwhoever2257]

@@djstevie69 oh dear me! I enjoyed the original TV series. Not sure I could watch a remake.

[@blackraptor311]

I have seen the trailer and heard the title when it came out and I said to myself, "No thank you".

[@Justin-y6u7e]

I actually respect you and I actually appreciate how honest you are much respect my brother❤❤😊

[@penguinyayone5504]

Well, it didn't become one of the greatest box office failures of all time for nothing. I found the film an alright time sink with good action myself when I watched it from TV once, but it sure was no award material. The 'disrespect' of Japanese culture by misinterpreting important things and mixing it with other cultures and was worse than I had imagined. The Japanese actors probably signed in for the paycheck and/or didn't know exactly what they were signing up for. I expected the Japanese reception to be negative, but I am surprised to hear the extent of the negative reception. This reception was however well deserved considering just how far it offended the culture it tried to depict.

[@freetibet8140]

Watching 47 Ronin to learn about Japanese culture or history would be like watching Robin Hood or a King Arthur movie to learn about England . . . these are fiction, not documentaries; just in case you didn't know, there are also no such things as demons and witches

[@roshawnclarke8198]

U really think demons and witches don't exist?

[@virgilflowers9846]

Enjoying the video as always. I’m a huge fan of Masaki Kobayashi and Kenji Mizoguchi, and of course Kurosawa. Hope to see you covering the great Japanese directors. On another note, I would love to see a video about the Shamisen and Japanese music. I play banjo in the US and see many similarities with that instrument in particular. Arigatō!

Just like the movie The House of the Spirits. Supposedly happening in Chile. The book in which was based was fantastic enough, but the very Caucasian cast, the cartoonish "Latino" support characters and the filming in Denmark and Portugal made it anything but Chilean.

[@kenshix7902]

That's exactly how Hollywood treats anime adaptations lol

[@silviaballesteros8390]

Yes! I love that film, but you´re rigth. Even the character of Pedro, that´s supposed to be a Chilean aborigine was played by a very tanned Antonio Banderas. Like, why? I´m sure there were a lot of good-looking Chilean actors..

[@csabrendeki]

I would like to see your recommendation of Japanese movie versions of the 47 ronin story! I loved the version of Kenji Mizoguchi. Thanks for your insights!

[@davidanderson5259]

Hi Shogo -- Thanks for this excellent review of the 47 Ronin movie. While I moderately enjoyed the movie, I was aware that the story was almost completely changed and I didn't think Japanese audiences would appreciate a culturally important historical story being turned into a fantasy movie. However your deeper commentary about the cultural errors committed by the director and writers of this movie was particularly interesting...it certainly opened my eyes. I have a copy of the Toho Studio of Chushingura..now almost 60 years old. It's a fine movie, but I was disappointed there wasn't a better modern update. Unfortunately it's a habit in Hollywood to entirely rewrite a production's story for no good reason.

[@shard_the_sage1320]

That was a really good review I liked how you went over the points and why they bothered you. It does surprise me that Last Samurai seems to have more respect for representing Japanese culture than a movie Keanue would be in. I think the point if they had just not used 47 Ronin it wold have made it better. I haven't seen either of these movies yet but your reviews are making me curious about them, I'll keep in mind the fact that they not completely accurate representations. I also do get bothered with movies set in history but then put in so many inaccuracies and some who watch may not realize that and take the movie as fact. So thank you for letting us know these points. I always appreciate your calm and direct manner, there are so many angry reviewers its tiring hearing their anger sometimes.

[@easternlights3155]

I think the reason the Last Samurai works better is that it is supposed to be a look at Japanese culture through western eyes. One of the main themes is the conflict between Japan and the West, so it's crucial that one of the protagonists be white. Meanwhile in 47 Ronin, there is no reason for Kai to even exist, much less not be Japanese. He is such a special snowflake and feels so out of place.

[@Frogger]

Don't EVER watch Hollywood movies to learn anything about history or culture. I don't have a patriotic bone in my body, so I just laugh about hollywood movies trying so depict anything outside of the U.S.

[@keepinitkawaii]

Outside the U.S? They dont even get U.S history right🤣

[@thebrigs3035]

I just watched this movie as fantasy movie and actually enjoyed a lot, but yes I agree that it should not be called 47 ronin

[@julito13tv]

i still haven't watched "47 Ronin", and i still want to watch it, but it's nice to see the perspective of someone of the culture that the movie makers failed to emulate. i don't mind the spoilers, and it actually will help me understand the movie better knowing beforehand what they did wrong. So thank you, Shogo. Please continue making awesome and educational content.

[@hollish196]

You are an excellent teacher! A+ for your educational skills!!

[@albertbecerra]

1:03 my friend don't apologize, you gave an honest review. If that upsets people, so be it, you cannot please everyone.

[@cesarmdel8975]

Completely agree. Just watch the original 3.5 hrs film, and learn a lot about Edo period Japan.

[@valourousheart9796]

I really appreciated your review of this movie, but I want to share an alternative perspective on the spoken language opinion you gave. If you go back and watch The Last Samurai you’ll notice that there is no subtitles during any of the highly kinetic action scenes. It has been a while since I saw 47 Ronin, but I recall that most of the the movie was highly kinetic. My point being that you have to balance in depth conversation in a language your audience might not speak with fast paced action scenes, and sometimes that means you have to prioritize one over the other. Most DVD have multiple language and subtitle options, so you can try watching an action movie and a conversation movie in a language that you don’t speak to get a better understanding of the point I’m making.

[@kristopherjojimiyakusu9785]

One recommendation for future videos like this could be to consider reviewing the movie strictly for entertainment purposes, and then review it based on your cultural take on the film. I personally haven’t seen this movie, but I do realize that some movies are inaccurate historically, but can still be a good movie based on entertainment purposes

[@aleksiskin]

But... this channel is focusing on Japanese culture so why make an opinion video without mentioning the cultural context? I understand some movies are made for entertainment purposes only but they called this movie 47 Ronin - that's just a clickbait. They used the name to get attention and then butchered the story. Then there's the Last Samurai which wasn't exactly historically accurate but at least it was respectful enough to the culture it monetized on.

[@jamie1602]

It's a Japanese cultural channel...

[@kristopherjojimiyakusu9785]

@@aleksiskin I’m not saying for him to not make a video about the cultural aspects, just saying that if he is concerned about how people might view the video that separating the two (even if within the same video) could be a safe option.

[@trenwilson6613]

Shogo, you did a very good review of the movie, there where problems you highlighted and gave meaningful discussion about those problems, even better you where able to bring a meaningful Japanese prospective to your review and gave a better understanding of Japanese culture because of it. As an American I did enjoy the movie, for me it was a really cool Asian fantasy. The point that was made, if it didn't have the name "47 Ronin" it would have been fine, I have seen before, two movies called "Jujitsu" and the remake of "Total Recall", they also had good crews and actors, and the names of the movies ruined them. Thank you for the review and I hope you do more.

[@steveswm7742]

When I saw a lady turn into a smoke dragon, I was pretty sure I wasn't watching a historical documentary.

[@jamie1602]

I know it's not a movie but... Way of the Househusband is very popular right now... I've been watching more about single dads/stay-at-home husbands in Japan. Have any "fun" social insight? Please don't worry about negative insight after watching something. I trained as an actor/writer for a long time (disability ended my dreams) and I sometimes feel very strange giving negative feedback on things when people love it. In the end, I realize I've been taught how to do things, was taught to strive for a bit of historical accuracy (but not to offend), and to stay entertaining. There will always be people who cling to a movie for whatever reason. That's their problem, not yours. You simply pointed out the flaws. This review was just as well done as the other.

[@kunderemp]

I know this movie was inaccurate in so many ways but I didn't realized there were some part made Japanese angry. I remember there was an anime called Count of Monte Cristo but the anime deviated so much. I used to hate that anime because I love the novel but the song stick into my mind.

[@TalliannaVanamee]

And you didn't even mention the cringy lovestory between Kai and the daughter aof Asano XD ... I can assure you even as a non-japanese I don't like this movie. It's just badly written.

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

I don’t understand why Hollywood seems to think history can’t compete with fantasy. I’d love a proper modern film about the 47 ronin and was supremely disappointed by this film when it came out.

[@VeryHungryEggshelleater]

You're doin good lad

[@pauliegambino7832]

Hi Shogo! I guess you can also review "Memoirs of a Geisha"

[@davidannderson9796]

I would like to say that I really appreciate that you didn't want to make a negative video. I feel that because of that, this video was an honest criticism of a very poorly informed movie that nevertheless does not feel too negative but simply honest and polite. I just wanted to tell you that. It sounds like a movie that is more accurate to the real Japan would be a most interesting and wonderful movie! I would love to see a movie that shows things like the respect a Samurai has for his sword, and has things like a scene with authentic Noh theater or Kabuki theater! Keep educating people on your Japan and more movies like that will be made!

[@lilitheden748]

Yôjinbô is until today my favourite Japanese film.

[@garryferrington811]

I love Ugetsu.

[@seekertosecrets]

As far as the speed goes, I really don't see a problem playing it at a normal speed. However, when playing at the speed suggested at the beginning of the video, it makes it look weird. In addition, unless it's an accurate documentary, movies like this are taken and should be taken with a grain of salt.

[@DanAloysius]

but I loved that movie 😭 why, why tomodachi... why?

[@easternlights3155]

I first tried watching this film on a 12 hour flight from Prague to Tokyo - I thought I was bored enough to watch anything - but I could not get through the first 10 minutes without cringing at the blatant self-insert OC that was Kai and I just could not continue. Mind you, I'm not Japanese, though I have great admiration for (and some modest knowledge of) your culture. I can't even imagine what it feels like to watch this film as a Japanese person. I have got through it later on, but the only redeeming qualities that I could see are the fight choreography (which I found well-done and entertaining) and the performances of Min Tanaka and Hiroyuki Sanada. They are excellent actors with great presence and charisma, and I only wish they were part of a worthier adaptation of this story.

[@balthazara4959]

I have never seen the film cause I was immediately turned off by the previews. Your videos are very insightful please keep on making them.

[@8BITGAMESTER]

Oh no. A movie wasn’t %100 accurate…

[@aismameijere-cirsa]

It's okey for Shogo to share his honests thoughts. By now we all should know that not all movies of certain themes are acurate. So it's better to know the truth than to live a lie.

[@dreadogastusf3548]

Thank you Shogo for your review and analysis of this "version" of 47 Ronin. At the end of your review section I grinned because you put in the clip of you slicing the target.

[@syafiqsafiuddin8356]

It is a Hollywood movie, what do you expect Shogo? They'll make changes for an audience that couldnt care less about history accuracy or faithful to source material, there are countless movie like this.

[@W4kT3k]

Hi, I'm a new subscriber and have been enjoying a lot of your videos over the last few days. Even though I enjoy this version of 47 Ronin, I completely agree with the negative reviews, and it would've been better to give it a different title, at worst people watching it might say " they took the plot for 47 Ronin. I saw this film at the theater when it was released and found myself asking "why did they do it like that" to many scenes. I just think of it as a fantasy film and don't take it seriously at all. I originally thought that this was a review of the 1958 film, or the 1941. If your taking requests for film reviews, mine are "Ran" and/or 13 Assassins (either the original or the remake) Thank you.

[@paperthyme]

I watched it yesterday, and was thinking that there was very little of the story there, I was wondering to myself, how the Japanese people saw this silliness.

[@SeohnAranys]

My thoughts on 47 Ronin are that it was a decent movie. It was much more fantasy than I expected. But if you go in expecting that you may like it. The best way of thinking of 47 Ronin is if someone mashed Peters Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit with Samurai. Remember that they advertised it as “Based On”. When a movie says that and you expect it to be true to the original story. That unfortunately is on the watchers misunderstanding. The vast majority of the time when Hollywood says “Based On” as part of the advertising. That means they took the name and likely altered the rest. Best to always expect Based On as nothing more than as tossing out the name to up views.

[@lisaray9404]

Thank you for this video and for sharing the correct history of the 47 Ronin. I watched it last night with the understanding that this movie has to be pretty much contrived by Hollywood movie makers. I can see movies which are based on history or true events, most of what comes out on film from Hollywood is going to be morphed, changed and edited to the point it resembles very little of the original story. A lot of creative license goes into them, without much research into the historical/cultural facts. I am very glad that I came to your video to get the straight scoop about this movie; and thank you for being so honest and knowledgeable about the real history of the 47 Ronin. Thank you again! 😊💖🙏

[@peterraab5920]

I was Sooooooo Upset and Angrey after seeing this ............ I Was livid

[@sammiecchana]

This is why I never watched a movie with historical background unless the movie is created in the country of origin.

[@danielcooke3732]

The movie explained that he was raised by the Tengu Spirits and he was a "half-breed" or "changeling" less than human. Asano Estate/Prefecture was real but not exactly as seen on screen.... Another thing U seem to forget is The movie explained in the beginning that it was "A time of Mythical Creatures and Demons and Magic"

[@42kellys]

When I saw the trailer I was disgusted, and I did not even bother watching it. I have seen the best 'real' Japanese ones and I liked them, some more some less but they were all good. The best was one that was made in a 52 episodes series with legendary Mifune Toshiro in the lead and many seriously good actors playing by his side. It may have shown Oishi in a more positive light than the others but with Mifune san it was to be expected. He nearly always was the samurai everyone wanted to be, honest, sincere, serious, responsible, tough but with a golden heart, who is determined to go through with what he decided to do. One with a real backbone the most honorable person we can imagine. Anyway, much as I like Kenau Reeves, it's a shame he put his name to such a horrible film, considering he narrated the documentary of Mifune Toshiro only 3 years later, thereby showing respect to the real actor, who potrayed the samurai the best way.

[@dextokuyasu]

As you were outlining the plot, I kept waiting for the 47 Ronin part, and wasn’t surprised when there was barely a thread of it in there. It’s funny that The Last Samurai treated things with more respect, accuracy to the culture, and care, yet a movie based on an actual event that’s been retold numerous times wonderfully, couldn’t. I get it that it was classified as fantasy action-adventure, but don’t call it 47 Ronin if it isn’t about the 47 Ronin.

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

When I saw this, I was thinking the Japanese are going to flip when one of their most revered stories is being totally trashed by Hollywood. I read the tale of the 47 Ronin prior to 2000. The basis of the incident was Kira lashed out at Asano or insulted due to not bribing him or paying him. From what I read Asano was not alone. He was in the presence of Kira with another daimyo, 'Lord Kamei Korechika'. It was said Kira insulted or lashed out at Asano because the gifts Asano presented were insufficient which provoked Asano. Kamei payed Kira the bribe so to speak. Also, I don't remember any mention of a daughter of Asano's but a younger brother, Asano Daigaku Nagahiro who was reportedly, allowed to re-establish the clan with only a tenth of the territory. Another item was stated that Kira was resented by the locals as he was very brusque, arrogant and rude. They actually favored and sympathized with the ronin who were taking out Kira's retainers. Kira supposedly fled. He was later found in a hidden courtyard where he was cornered and offered the opportunity to take his own life with seppuku and refused. Oishi killed him while he was being held down by 2 other ronin. A messenger was sent to Edo to report the revenge to the shogun. All in all, this movie was pure 'Hollywood'.

[@iMWinnie21]

Could you do a Review of Kill Bill Vol. 1? It would be so interesting to hear what you say about it.

[@SalvableRuin]

You are kind of the perfect person to review this particular movie haha

[@6LordMortus9]

I would love to see a review on an old TV series from the 80s "Shogun"

[@randalflagg3765]

They took a story that's culturally significant to many people and made "Young Guns" With Keanu Reeves as a Japanese Billy the kid.

[@harpuny]

I'm very glad to have watched your video! As a historical fashion enthusiast, I am very particulate to my historical accuracy in movies. I'll excuse conscious styling decisions, but what they did here, mixing different cultures together is way out of line.

[@albion65]

Within the same time the Reeves' film came out there was another loose retelling of the story of the 47 Ronin. It was entitled LAST KNIGHTS and it reset the story to a Quasi Renaissance European world. All the characters are renamed, though oddly just like the Reeves' film the ages of the Asano & Kira characters are reversed from the real story. The film was directed by Kazuaki Kiriya who had previously directed the 2009 samurai film GOEMON. Ironically despite all the changes, some would accuse the film of white washing the story, the film sticks way closer to the real events of 47 Ronin than the Reeves' film. If one is looking for way better films of the story than 1962's "Chūshingura" or 1978's "The Fall of Ako Castle" would be the way to go. It would be interesting to see your thoughts on LAST KNIGHTS though. Did it manage to capture the spirit of the 47 Ronin's story despite all it's changes?

[@DobroLang]

Also, the movie can't even keep their own crazy alternative reality consistent. On one hand, their "feudal Japan" is so obsessed with rules & traditions that a very talented guy is passionately hated just for being a non-samurai hafu. On the other hand, that same guy is allowed to hang out with the daughter of the daimyo and with top court officials & even puts on the armor of a samurai during a tournament with no objections from anyone. Except for the shogun himself, who, using some ancient face recognition software on his feudal smartphone figured out that some random provincial guy in a samurai armor is NOT a samurai - just by looking at his face 100s of meters away! And 5 minutes before that, a visiting daimyo was walking next to the daughter of the local daimyo and called her a "concubine". So, he was neither officially introduced to her, the top lady of her province, nor could see rank distinctions in her clothes or behavior, which makes no sense even for real feudal traditional societies, that were never THAT insanely obsessed with "rules". In a real feudal society, a genius fighter, and especially a close personal protege of a duke or a daimyo, would be made an aristocrat by the same duke/daimyo at a much younger age. A real-life smart shogun in such a situation would probably ask the daimyo why his superstar fighter, for whom his daughter falls on her knees in public, is still not a samurai. And if the daimyo said something about "rules" and "traditions", a smart shogun would be much more worried that his daimyo is such a timid non-imaginative formalist than about the samurai status of some local warrior. And that's how they could make the movie more fun -- by, say, making the shogun watch the main hero fight very well, hear his story & then say: "Well, he can't be a samurai, unless he is from a samurai family... Yeah... But, look, you've found this kid in the forest... I say, he must have been stolen from some unknown noble samurai family. Do you guys all agree with your shogun, or do you have a spare head instead of the one that I'll take off for your gross insubordination if you don't? Good. Thus, a samurai he is, so make up a new name & kamon emblem for him, and let's go on with our celebration..."

[@kate000master]

Thanks for the comprehensive review, it was very interesting. I have forgotten details at this point, but sadly i can't fully forget the existence of this movie 😅 Yeah, I also think if they hadn't called it '47 ronin' it'd be fine - if it was called anything else, was marketed as fantasy movie inspired by the 47 ronin historical incident, it would have been rather nice movie. But because they called it '47 ronin' they set certain expectations that weren't at all met! I actually wanted to leave the theatre but the people I was with convinced me to stay. But yes it was bad in so many ways you can probably spend a week listing them all. The thing that annoyed me the most were the 'tengu' - that was the point i actually wanted to leave.

[@squidsinspace75]

Fun fact, there is another movie inspired by the story of 47 Ronins, titled "Last Knights"(2015), set in a totally fictional universe, but good to watch.

[@powchin3474]

Thanks for the review Shogo. I have not seen it but knew it was dodgy when the title was "47 Ronin" but starring Keanu Reeves. Oh please!

[@scotthorton6289]

I have two different versions of 47 Ronin. One is The Loyal 47 Ronin made in the 1950's and I can't remember when the other one was made. Both in Japanese with English subtitles. I've seen the version that was made during WW-II. All three excellent

[@X9Metatron9X]

I 100% agree with the 3rd rating, it would've been a good movie with the average rating of maybe 4.0 to 4.3 out of 5 rating, if they used different name for the title. I must admit, it was a good movie(out of fantasy perception of course) but I consider myself more fascinated by a traditional culture of a race or ethnicity, may it be Asians from different ethnicity, Europeans, the list goes and in this case, Japanese. I was a little bit disappointed with how different they portray the story of the 47 Ronin since I already done some researches on the history of the 47 Ronin before the movie even existed(the movie mentioned in this video) and I was expecting it to be based on the real history of the 47 Ronin along with the aesthetics of the Edo culture and sadly it was not. I also have to agree with the point made by Mr. Shogo regarding the interaction amongst the Japanese characters in the movie, it would've been much better if they speak Japanese with each other. And it doesn't have to necessarily be viewed as racism, the fact is, it makes the movie a much more enjoyable watch, with the cultural content since the theme was Japanese based culture so people can vibe to it, I believe a lot more people love it when it is made that way. Not just Japanese, even if a movie is based of Chinese culture, it would make more sense if they speak Chinese and portray the story to the closest thing to the history itself, unless they're trying to portray the movie differently than the actual history, which they should specify so people can understand what their true aim is. But we all know at the end of the day that criticism is a must when it comes to this type of thing.

[@richardgrosskopf1681]

Hi Shogo! I discovered your channel a couple weeks ago and since then I've been addicted of your videos. Great material content, editing and charisma! Best regards from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@maigematthews5620]

I would love to see your movie review on “Snake Eyes” - 2021. Its authenticity of citing the Japanese heritage back to the era of Ido is in question. Please allow your viewers to witness your confirmation of inquiry. どうもありがとうございます!

[@bar-1studios]

Since you lived in Michigan, do a video comparing Japanese and Detroit-Style pizza

[@nemesis666first]

I watched it in french, so I did not be bothered about the strange english accent of japanese ppl you are talking about. In fact I did not even knew that the 47 Ronin was a part of history of Japan, I thought it was a fantasy story, like all the rest of the movie. Interesting video, thx you ;) !

[@rlsxs4ever]

i was positively surprised by your sincerity

[@mojabaka]

Sounds even worse than The Last Samurai. But I think I‘m still going to watch it, just so I can laugh at it lol. Thank you for this video. I say this in almost every comment, but I love your videos and your personality. Hopefully your channel will grow even further.

[@JohnnyOTGS]

The movie was just one giant clash between the filmmakers and Universal. The filmmakers wanted the movie to be more historically accurate, whereas Universal wanted it to be more of a magically epic film like Harry Potter, or Lord of The Rings. But, this is Hollywood here, not the Discovery Channel or National Geographic, so it desn't have to be accurate. Not a lot of true story movies are 100% accurate, and most of these movies do get burned for it.

[@烏梨師斂]

But if you watch it while being from the culture you just can't help but notice it. It's like if you watch a Japanese movie about the American Revolutionary War and everyone is wearing sombreros and speaking Spanish. You just can't help but go wtf

[@rzt430]

imagine if they made a film about the american civil war and made the uniforms, weapons and cultural aspects a mix of russian, mongolian, and chinese stuff while the characters speak in korean and called it "gettysburg", it's extremely jarring, people didnt crap on the last samurai or letters from iwo jima despite them being not historically accurate, but there's a treshold that you shouldn't cross. you portray a japanese film based on a japanese source material with the exact same titlewith japanese actors on the set, then at least portray japanese culture instead of random cultures from every corner of asia, that's just beyond ridiculous

[@komeleduc]

I haven’t watched the movie but now I’m interested lol. I might as well just watch it like a Beat Takeshi comedy

[@SkodaUFOInternational]

Thank you for this video Shogo. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts as keeper of tradition.

[@SourRobo8364]

Would you consider reviewing Sword of The Stranger? It's absolutely amazing.

[@missmarsh1011]

I think a better analogy for a Japanese "American hamburger" is Salisbury steak on sweet sandwich bread. Yes, they're technically Western ingredients, but they were chosen because they're accessible to Japanese diners, not to be authentic to American cuisine.

[@trkimura]

Thank you advising me not to waste my time. I debated watching because it had Keanu Reeves but I had a bad feeling it wasn't historically accurate.

[@AlottaBoulchit]

I saw this movie in theaters! I literally only went to see it because the model Zombie Boy (RIP😭) had a role in it. They used him on the posters because he had striking tattoos so I was under the impression he would have a larger role.. he did not and I was very disappointed. That aside I HATED this movie! I am by no means an expert on Japan but even I could pick out the glaring issues. It actually soured my stomach to watch. I went to see it with my mom and the theater we were in was crowded, loud and they left the door to the room open so light was flooding in and polluting the clarity of the screen. My mom asked if I was OK with the disruptions during the movie and if I wanted to go to another showing in another theater but I was like "Nah... we're honestly not missing much." LOL There were some things about it I remember being kind of sort of okay with.. like it was a "pretty" movie here or there visually... but it was such a dump of a movie. The only good part for me was Zombie Boy. XD

[@anthonyjordanmoviesandmore2470]

From what I understand now there's an old female version of the story being made the real event was fascinating enough they can just retell that but they always have to put some twists on it

[@VonKraut]

Hi Shogo, one of my favorite movies ever is Twilight Samurai, would love to hear your review of it.

[@defechan7486]

That makes sense. The last Samurai actually had something loosely related to the 47. But even that wasn't strictly true to history. I'd recommend the movie 13-Asassins instead.

[@bashirmuhammad8181]

Great review honestly and logically presented. Hollywood ALWAYS does that to people's cultures world wide.It's brazen and insulting.

[@lordasuka83h50]

I know this comment js about a year ago. I want to say that : Japan does the same thing. Japan anime and games depict foreign culture very far from truth, and without respect. It is common that venerated foreign gods or historical figure turn into a young girl in bikini.

[@GenghisCalm692]

I love your channel Shogo!!

[@laszloabraham9634]

I completely agree with what has been said. I like it Keanu Reeves, but I didn’t even understand what he was looking for in this movie. Only one scene in the film was good, at the end of the farewell conversation.

[@onakasuita7546]

Explain about traditional aikido vs competitive aikido, I interesting with tanto randori

[@emilianofisanotti9639]

It's a fun popcorn movie, but going to see this movie with the intention of learning Japanese history would be like going to see "Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies" and be like: 'Wow... that was not historically accurate at all!!'

[@atsukorichards1675]

I just wish they had put some other titles on that fantasy movie... (By the way, there is a movie called "Abraham Lincoln, the Vampire Hunter". I like the movie, a perfect fun popcorn movie!)

[@42kellys]

I wish you would make a review of the Japanese The last samurai 1974 of Kenji Misumi thereby making it more well-known to people and perhaps draw some parallels between that one and the American one. They are very different so it would be most exciting. One of my favourite film is Misumi's take on that part of the history of Japan as well as his looking at the last samurai, who survived and put his sword down and lived a peaceful civil life instead of Saigo, who committed seppuku after losing the Satsuma Rebellion/War against the government.

[@Alex-eq7uh]

Awsome video man! I d love you to review last samurai as well, would be sweet to hear your thoughts on that roo. Also you could do quick reviews on movies you do recommend, I think seven samurais fantastic.