
Hollywood is carrying on its tradition of making white people the lead protagonists in movies about samurai with the 2013 47 Ronin, headed by Keanu Reeves.
But while the Japanese didn’t seem to bat an eyelid when it was revealed (spoiler) that Tom Cruise was literally the last samurai, the 47 Ronin trailer is raising eyebrows in Japan for its weird comic book treatment of the famous national legend that is said to be the most revered example of the samurai code of bushido.
The whole trailer looks to be the product of the Pocky-addled fever dreams of a misguided Japanophile, incorporating weird Eastern mysticism seemingly just for kicks, a number of supernatural characters rejected from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, several backgrounds that don’t look at all like Japan, and a tattooed assassin that fights with two pistols and the power of nudity.
By contrast, the real legend of the 47 Ronin is a much less spectacular embellishment of a true story; a somber tale of revenge and loyalty with nary a supernatural being or white person to speak of.
We’re just wondering why no one seems to be upset about Keanu Reeves getting the lead role.
Check out this photo compilation of some of the more outrageous moments from the trailer:
▼So we’ve got gargoyles, wizards and mutant pirates. What’s next, dragons? Oh…
We hope you remembered your kung-fu, Neo.
Source: IT Media
Images/video via YouTube CMBTrailers








Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Pokémon dress shirts progress into Gen 2 with 100 brand-new Johto region designs【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Pokémon dress shirts progress into Gen 2 with 100 brand-new Johto region designs【Photos】
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japan’s most popular revolving sushi chain relaxes employee dress code, allows dyed hair, beards
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japan’s most popular revolving sushi chain relaxes employee dress code, allows dyed hair, beards
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Super-polite bowing shoebill in Japan wins hearts with its incidental grasp of Japanese etiquette
Sanrio Pompompurin purin custard pudding sweets sound doubly delicious, look like pooch bottoms
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Secret Tokyo night view spot is also a great meeting place away from the crowds
Does Shinjuku’s unusual golden lion statue really roar when you ‘feed’ it money? We find out
Does the way you cross your arms say anything about your personality? Japan thinks so
Leave a Reply