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