Keanu Reeves is set to make an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. He talks about the world of samurais and mastering Japanese martial arts
What was it about 47 Ronin that made you want to be a part of itIJ
I loved the themes of honour, revenge and sacrifice in the script as well as the tragic love story. I also liked my character, who was an outsider trying to regain honour.
How have you been involved with this projectIJ
I watched 47 Ronin evolve and change with Carl Rinsch, who paid a lot of respect to all the elements that were inspired by Japanese folklore. Being on this journey and collaborating with Carl on the story has been a great experience.
Speaking of Japanese folklore, were you familiar with the legend of the 47 Ronin before working on the filmIJ
I was not familiar with the legend, but as soon as I knew about the project, I did my research and read as much as I could about it. This movie is one of those rare examples of something that comes your way and is just so exciting from the beginning.
You play the lead character of Kai. How do you see himIJ
I think of him as an outsider who yearns to be accepted, like an immigrant. He is honourable and a man of nature, which helps ground him. Kai is also a bit cursed and he is aware of that.
How did you prepare for this roleIJ
looking at the bigger picture, I basically tried to familiarise myself with the source material and thinking about my character’s place in the story. I always thought the tale of the outsider and these Ronin becoming samurai outsiders was universal because all cities and towns and places have these kinds of events and integration problems that happen. I tried to get in touch with who Kai is and how this affected him. I wanted my character to have a dignity and respect towards the world around him and others. I also wanted him to be capable, to be a hunter and a tracker that is connected to nature.
What kind of training did you go through for the roleIJ
I was excited to work with the katana, the Japanese long sword. I trained a lot with the expert Tsuyoshi Abe and worked with the stunt teams. Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Ôishi, also gave me some tips. I did a lot of exercises with the sword and some dieting as well.
Can you briefly talk about the main characters in the story and their relationships with Kai, starting with lord AsanoIJ
lord Asano is the ruler of Ako. He sort of takes my character under his wing after he has been abandoned and brought up by these Tengu lords, who I think of as monks. I always saw lord Asano as an enlightened ruler and a paternal figure.
47 Ronin is an action adventure that also has a beautiful love story...
The relationship between Kai and Mika is in the great tradition of impossible romantic love stories. That pure love and yearning of something that cannot be is, in a way, a sweet pain. It hits a soft spot.
You are surrounded by a great Japanese cast. What can you say about Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays ÔishiIJ
I had already seen some of Hiroyuki’s work in the past and knew a bit about him, but meeting him was special because he is such a gentlemen and a movie star on an epic level. Hiroyuki is a master actor, and it was wonderful to work with him.
You also worked with great actors like Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi among many others.
I had also seen Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi’s work before getting involved in the movie. The truth is that everyone was so excited about this story and participating in the world that Carl Rinsch was creating. We all got along very well and felt we were a part of something special.
Did you enjoy the martial arts and action side of the shootIJ
I love shooting action and was very excited to be in a samurai film. The fights were tough but fun to do. As I was working with great professionals, I didn’t get beat up much, although I did hit Hiroyuki Sanada a couple of times by mistake.
The story wouldn’t work without a powerful villain. Here we have lord Kira, who is aided by a witch and dark magic to obtain his evil goals.
lord Kira and The Witch both made a great couple and I really thought they managed to put their performance between their teeth, as I would say. I think they are wonderful and delicious villains.
In what way did you find lord Kira and The Witch sympatheticIJ
lord Kira feels underappreciated. The same thing happens to The Witch, who wants to have this earthly love that he is denying her. In a way, they are victimised by their passions. I liked that sophistication, and the complexity in characters.
You have worked on a number of movies with groundbreaking special effects. 47 Ronincombines CGI with practical effects harboured by the detailed sets that were created for the film.
Yes, they built such remarkable sets that made you feel you actually were in that world. There was so much that was there! Then, the work they did with the special effects and the creature creation was awesome. The filmmakers knew they were making a 3D film from the beginning and everything was considered in that regard. I appreciated that they took the time and effort to work on it specifically. It was great to see the care they took with the story and the storytelling.
What should the audience expect from 47 RoninIJ
The audience should expect a big movie with great themes. I think it is a film that is entertaining but also has an intimacy to the story and the acting that I hope people will enjoy as well. There is action, drama, love and suspense.