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.
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...
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.
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.
This is the same wet wipe to tried to defend the Yakuza being active lol... 47 Ronin is a fictional representation, and if he has a problem with it he should watch a documentary instead its not rocket science
@@gmk5818 exactly, it is a japanesse's Culture problem. The make it very personal when we all know movies purpose is just for fun. And there are always un accurate facts for any historical culture
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.
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.
I recently watched the 1941 version of 47 Ronin and my only pet peeve was the raid on the Kira residence did not happen, but it was a great watch and imo goes really in depth about the true virtues of a samurai
Could you recommend some other great movies that have to do with Japanese language culture and history? I’m learning Japanese and want to visit Japan next year. Any recommendations?
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.
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.
Not gonna lie, when they first said they were making a 47 Ronin film I thought it was going to be true to the actual tale. I saw Keanu Reeves (love the actor) and other fantasy stuff and...yeah. I still gave it a watch, but it didn't seem to know what identity it wanted to follow.
ya, i saw the movie in theaters being a fresh graduate and having just taken a Samurai History class so i was kinda at least looking forward to a rough history of the 47 ronin. but then Keanu Reeves shows up and all the fantasy also made me throw that expectation out the window.
This is how Hollywood handles basically every other culture besides the immediate culture in California. Look at what they did to the Norse Saga of Ragnar in Vikings. Yeah, the show is enjoyable as entertainment, but it doesn't follow history or the original sagas in the slightest. And don't even get me started on any movie or show that deals with indigenous cultures.
@@OmarLivesUnderSpace depends, mate.. Some people prefer a clearer depiction that could be closer to the facts... And some, prefer more "romantic touch" to the story... Sometimes one movie can't please both sides... And sometimes they need to choose one chair instead of trying to sit on two chairs at the same time...
@@Jersa7 the director is mostly only a pawn to the producer... And producers are also a pawn to the stake holders.. The problem is... Customers can only say with their wallet and that's the only way I believe to be done... I can only say it with my wallet... Therefore I would rather not go to cinema to watch these stupid piece of crap that defied the story from real history
13:01 - people said that the director must have had no interest in Japan, considering the fact that he did not study about the culture and history. While a director is usually the big name (大名 xD) we associate with a film, not all creative decisions rest solely with them, nor do they always get involved when the story is first being concepted. The writers and the producers should have their share of the blame too. Bad writing leads to bad screenplay, which can lead to bad directing, which leads to bad performance by the actors. (and leads the audience suffering XD). That being said, this movie's director I would call inexperienced (he only does short films), and the movie probably did suffer as a result of his shortcomings.
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.)
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
@@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.
This movie had a rough production. There were tons of reshoots and additions by the studio. Not sure what they were originally going for but the finished result is a mess as a result.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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....
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
I basically do not want to make a negative video, and I always try my best to end the stories as positively as possible no matter how dark the theme is. This video talking about the movie 47 Ronin, was the most difficult video to make trying to say anything happy… because there’s hardly anything to say😭 But I pushed myself to make it, because there were just so many requests in the comments for a review video, and I knew that at some point I would have to face this challenge. I did try my best though, so I hope you can take a look at what I have to say😅 ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ th-cam.com/channels/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.htmljoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos th-cam.com/play/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw.html -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ th-cam.com/channels/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA.html The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） Thank you again very much for watching!
While your points are valid and I understand why you might find it offensive to your culture I'd like to add some of my own. Movies, unless stated to be a documentary type, should not be used as "learning" material when speaking of another culture. Fantasy is fantasy, and a cheap excuse at that, but if it's impresive enough it might push those impressed to look up actual facts about the culture, arts or just basic information. So it's a give and take. Turn fantasy into curiosity. I am not japanese, I do not identify as such, though I do admire a lot of aspects of japanese culture from art(painting,music,caligraphy and smithing-yes, smithing is an art) to more fantasy and fictional parts such as manga and anime. The fictional drove me to read and search about the reality. A second point, is the depiction as being racist and spiteful. It does happen and it's not something to be depicted as such, in movies or media. But people are hateful. Not necesarily racist, but hateful. In this movie, at least in my oppinion, the hate for Kai is for being raised by the innacuratly depicted tengu and not neccesarily his race. Or at least it was meant to be. And the samurai stating he'd rather die than be saved by Kai can also be attibuted to that background. He was also brought back to help them, not because of his english heritage but for the dark gifts he got from the -not really- tengu. What do you think about this perspective ? Could my points pass as valid ? And maybe reduce the negativ ways of perception for a more optimistic and positiv point of view ? Have a good day and thank you for all your work.
hey listen man, shogo, from what i understand in life, negativity is always needed to bring out the positive manner of things; this is why some movie reviewers need to be more honest in their review
Man i know that you lie under your mask, no offense but stop please, i didnt like the movie either but i m not fakeing, the fact that you actually mad at the movie and the whole western culture from japanese sea on.. you are no different, i love japanese culture but stop acting like a snob p****
It has a lot of inaccuracies and the author was actually sued by a former geisha Mineko Iwasaki because he credited her against her request. I’m currently reading her book “Geisha: A Life” and recommend it. He really took a lot of her life and wrote some of the things about geisha in a negative light-she says.
Accurate to history or not, the novel was well written from a literature standpoint. The main characters were very sympathetic, and the book could evoke real emotional responses from the reader.
I just newly "discovered" your channel and am extremely impressed by the diversity of the topics of your videos which show what an intelligent, informed, and insightful person you are. You also have an euphonious golden voice for radio and a photogenic face.
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.
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!
I've never seen 47 Ronin, but now I want to. But I will say this, as a Persian I actually liked the movie 300. It was incredibly inaccurate and demeaning in many ways... But it was actually based on a comic and had lots of fantasy involved. But Zack Snyder had incredible comic panel slow-mo shots which made me enjoy it. I personally think any movie based on anything will always be inaccurate. I hear the 2004 Alamo movie was really accurate, and everyone hated it. Since then Hollywood has done anything to get as many people to love their movies. I bet the studio was pressured to make it have fantasy elements etc. Perhaps Hollywood wanted to cater to other Asians and the rest of the world to make it a "better" story. But whenever a person watches a Hollywood movie "based on a true story" they should then read the actual history behind it.
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.
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!
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!
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 🙂.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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".
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!
I feel the same way when Japanese movies, anime or manga misrepresents French culture, or religions. I guess it's not just a Hollywood problem. For exemple, Versailles no Bara takes place in the very historical setting of France before and at the beginning of the French Revolution, and features historical figures like Marie-Antoinette (who is friend with Oscar, the protagonist, a fictional character). When I was a kid, I thought Oscar truly existed. The author of the manga took liberties with historical facts, but as a child, I did not get it, and I don't think most foreigners knew what was accurate or not. As an adult, I know it's called historical fiction, and I enjoyed the anime as a child, but I just wanted to point it out. Hollywood took liberties with a lot of cultural and historical material, but I think that a lot of movies made about another culture or history will have the same problem, regardless of who made them.
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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.
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..
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.
I am not Japanese but love the culture, language, humor, etc. and decided to watch it recently. I am having troubles finishing it because it simply doesn’t feel Japanese in any way and although I didn’t know the story of the 47 ronin, even I in my little knowledge know that this movie just doesn’t feel Japanese and I had de suspicion that it had nothing to do with the real story. Thank you for your video!
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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
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.
14:45 oh hollywood LOVES this trope. If they don't cast a white actor as a hafu they cast an actual hafu actor and then have every Japanese character hate them for this. It's a consistent theme
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.
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
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.
So true what he said about the language. The story takes place in (imaginary) Japan and because it is a Hollywood movie it is in english... BUT then why all natives in the imaginary Japan talks like foreigners, while the only foreigner speaks like he is the only one who can speak the native language fluently? I am (asian) german... I do have reverse complains about Hollywood movies taking place in germany. For some reasons Hollywood mostly does not cast native germans, but US citicens with german heritage... but their german just huts my ears, being born and live in germany. I hope Hollywood will change one day.
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.
The film features demons and magic--I never took it to be a realistic retelling of anything but instead as an action flick that lifts various East Asian aesthetics in order to embellish a popcorn movie. I'm of the mind that media like this, Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh, or the Yasuke anime are less about rendering historically faithful stories and more about leveraging aesthetics towards their own goals of entertainment. In that way, it feels unfair to judge them from a historical lens; rather, I am first and foremost engaged with them as entertainment pieces. So I definitely fall more into the camp of "If this wasn't called X, it'd be a good movie/game/show/story", but I actually do feel that evoking the names of older stories/histories doesn't sully them at all. Those stories and histories still exist and can be enjoyed just as much both before and after the existence of any media that takes inspiration from them. If these pieces of media get people interested in the actual history, that's all the better, as most Western audiences aren't likely to have that sort of exposure otherwise. I know for a fact that many people who played Nioh did not know all of the major players of Sengoku era and learned a lot from the game itself. Then again, I usually don't let entertainment color my perception of history/the world--it's hard for me to think that anyone who came across the "47 Ronin" movie saw it as rendering a 'real' Japan/Japanese story because it's so heavily steeped in being a fantasy movie and doesn't present itself as a historic retelling, just like anyone who played Nioh would understand that there weren't actually literally demons in Mitsunari's army or that William Adams had a magical spirit guide and played a pivotal role in every event of the war. What I'm actually more curious about are the discrepancies between films that put on more historic airs (such Akira Kurosawa's many films) and how those deviate from actual historical fact. In general, it seems that Samurai are often romanticized as much (if not more) than the 'chivalric knights' of Western history and it leaves me curious to know where that popular fiction deviates from reality.
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! 😊💖🙏
Don’t worry man believe me I agree I’d love to actually have a faithful telling of the 47 ronin I don’t mind a fantasy in a Japanese setting but it should be it’s own thing fact is sometimes better then fiction
Honestly, 47 ronins is one of my fav movie depicting some asian elements. ANd i did enjoy it before the fact that there's inappropriateness in it. But nevertheless, it's a fiction, a fantasy so tho there are misconceptions, i can't deny the fact that i enjoyed it with utmost appreciation and respect to actors, the scenes, environment, and interest to Japan itself... Edit 2: P.S. But....I hope next time, Asian elements on movies are related as it was an information. No one wants to be informed incorrectly, right?
Amusingly, when I went to Sengaku temple in Tokyo (the place the leaders and most of the members where buried), the souvenirs shops nearby has their walls plastered with posters of Keanu Reeves' Ronin movie. That made me chuckle. I bought a very nice banner that has the names of the 47 ronins. Watch the 1962 "Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki" film for a more accurate and intense film version of the incident.
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
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.
@@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.
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.
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 🇧🇷
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.
I "liked" your video, but to be offended by an American made fantasy movie because it didn't follow the original story seems weird. Take it for what it was!
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It was bad to name it 47 Ronin and tell a different story. You don't play with people's history. Another example: a TV miniseries called Napoleon and Josephine. Armand Assante and Jacqueline Bisset. The only historical fact in it were the characters' names. As for the very well documented and exciting life of that guy, they made an actual mess of it. Ask any French, or any Napoleonic historian or fan, what they think about it. Another one: McBain, with Christopher Walken. It starts in the 80's in a village made of huts with poultry roaming the dirt streets, and calls it "Medellin, Colombia." At the same time period in which drug lord Pablo Escobar was terrorizing that big, wealthy, modern *CITY.* Sometimes, too often, Hollywood has a talent to offend by disregarding culture, history, and facts, that makes American people look like as careless, ignorant and rude. Just take it as it is.
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.
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.
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.
Would you be interested in also making reviews of TV series episodes? I'd really like to hear your opinion on the Shogunworld episodes in the Westworld series.
Dear Shogo, it would be very interesting to see your reviews of classic films like Ran, Kagemusha, Harakiri (1962), Sanjuro and other great films of Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Kobayashi, Yôji Yamada and Hideo Gosha.
I greatly appreciate your thoughtful and well laid out points. One thing to consider though--this film is a would-be Hollywood blockbuster and CGI fest posing as a quasi-historical treatment of an actual event. The writers of this film probably spent only a day or two researching the subject matter, instead relying on CGI and cobbled-together fantasy elements to carry the plot. Look at films like Tombstone and Midway, two flicks purporting to recount actual events, but are so loose with the details and so heavily dramatized that they might as well be considered pure fiction.
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.
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!
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!
Thank you Shogo. I agree with everything you have said and that is why I don't generally like watching Hollywood films. I much prefer to watch films made and produced by local producers. By the way can you please consider doing reviews on The Grave of the Fireflies and Rurouni 1,2 & 3.
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.
Studio Interference killed a lot of movies
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...
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.
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.
Hollywood often disrespects western culture as well.
A man honestly voicing his opinions and providing a form of meaningful discussion. Quality content that I subbed for!
Same!
This is the same wet wipe to tried to defend the Yakuza being active lol... 47 Ronin is a fictional representation, and if he has a problem with it he should watch a documentary instead its not rocket science
@@gmk5818 exactly, it is a japanesse's Culture problem.
The make it very personal when we all know movies purpose is just for fun.
And there are always un accurate facts for any historical culture
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.
Japanese are always so hard on each other he probably doesn't even realize it but I'm sure that's his deep subconscious
So long as the actors were getting paid, that's all that mattered.
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.
And you have to remember that if they would have cast mainly a Caucasian cast there would have been a "whitewash" uproar.
We do know. Not only do managers (scout agents, whatever) get that info, but there's this thing called THE SCRIPT. :-)
As a japanese, we recommend 『切腹』called "Harakiri" in English. The truly samurai film by Masaki Kobayasi and starring Tatsuya Nakadai.
I've seen Harakiri! It was a fabulous movie.
Although I prefer Kagemusha. Nakadai was brilliant in that one, as well.
I recently watched the 1941 version of 47 Ronin and my only pet peeve was the raid on the Kira residence did not happen, but it was a great watch and imo goes really in depth about the true virtues of a samurai
Could you recommend some other great movies that have to do with Japanese language culture and history? I’m learning Japanese and want to visit Japan next year. Any recommendations?
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.
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.
Not gonna lie, when they first said they were making a 47 Ronin film I thought it was going to be true to the actual tale.
I saw Keanu Reeves (love the actor) and other fantasy stuff and...yeah. I still gave it a watch, but it didn't seem to know what identity it wanted to follow.
ya, i saw the movie in theaters being a fresh graduate and having just taken a Samurai History class so i was kinda at least looking forward to a rough history of the 47 ronin. but then Keanu Reeves shows up and all the fantasy also made me throw that expectation out the window.
I tought this could be something, until the first trailer dropt.
@@mainstreetsaint36 wasting Keanu Reeves like that is just downright sinful
It sure was bad wasn't it?
I expected it to be bad and unfortunately wasn't disappointed. I wish I had been, but it was as bad as expected, maybe a bit worse....😅
This is how Hollywood handles basically every other culture besides the immediate culture in California. Look at what they did to the Norse Saga of Ragnar in Vikings. Yeah, the show is enjoyable as entertainment, but it doesn't follow history or the original sagas in the slightest. And don't even get me started on any movie or show that deals with indigenous cultures.
This Hollywood tradition only gets worse the farther back in time you go.
That's the Hollywood ways....
@@OmarLivesUnderSpace depends, mate.. Some people prefer a clearer depiction that could be closer to the facts... And some, prefer more "romantic touch" to the story...
Sometimes one movie can't please both sides...
And sometimes they need to choose one chair instead of trying to sit on two chairs at the same time...
@@hollistantang9469 And sometimes the director just needs a chair to the head... :p
@@Jersa7 the director is mostly only a pawn to the producer... And producers are also a pawn to the stake holders..
The problem is... Customers can only say with their wallet and that's the only way I believe to be done... I can only say it with my wallet... Therefore I would rather not go to cinema to watch these stupid piece of crap that defied the story from real history
13:01 - people said that the director must have had no interest in Japan, considering the fact that he did not study about the culture and history. While a director is usually the big name (大名 xD) we associate with a film, not all creative decisions rest solely with them, nor do they always get involved when the story is first being concepted. The writers and the producers should have their share of the blame too. Bad writing leads to bad screenplay, which can lead to bad directing, which leads to bad performance by the actors. (and leads the audience suffering XD).
That being said, this movie's director I would call inexperienced (he only does short films), and the movie probably did suffer as a result of his shortcomings.
and sometimes to make a movie they want they are forced to make a movie the Studio wants first
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!
@Ed dude me too
😂
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.)
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
@@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.
This movie had a rough production. There were tons of reshoots and additions by the studio.
Not sure what they were originally going for but the finished result is a mess as a result.
I just commented the same thing. It turned out a mess.
Just like Cyberpunk 2077, it got ruined by additions by the studio. Including the addition of Keanu Reeves xD
@@Stribog1337 gotem
Idea for a movie review, Silence (2016)
it's about jesuit priests in Nagasaki during the Edo period.
Better yet..Shinoda Masahiro's earlier version!!!
It's a good movie, but very sad and depressing.
This!!
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!
Yeah I couldn’t stand the film
@local swede I'll have to hunt down a copy. Thanks for the recommendation.
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.
thats the sad thing
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.
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.
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.
I agree.
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....
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
Mad respect to the directors who shot his/her movies in the "correct language".
Yeah from the beginning to the end 47 Ronin just felt like some sort of fanfic made by an 11-year-old
I basically do not want to make a negative video, and I always try my best to end the stories as positively as possible no matter how dark the theme is.
This video talking about the movie 47 Ronin, was the most difficult video to make trying to say anything happy… because there’s hardly anything to say😭
But I pushed myself to make it, because there were just so many requests in the comments for a review video, and I knew that at some point I would have to face this challenge.
I did try my best though, so I hope you can take a look at what I have to say😅
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You should not shy away from your own opinion we love your channel because we can hear what is your opinion
While your points are valid and I understand why you might find it offensive to your culture I'd like to add some of my own. Movies, unless stated to be a documentary type, should not be used as "learning" material when speaking of another culture. Fantasy is fantasy, and a cheap excuse at that, but if it's impresive enough it might push those impressed to look up actual facts about the culture, arts or just basic information. So it's a give and take. Turn fantasy into curiosity. I am not japanese, I do not identify as such, though I do admire a lot of aspects of japanese culture from art(painting,music,caligraphy and smithing-yes, smithing is an art) to more fantasy and fictional parts such as manga and anime. The fictional drove me to read and search about the reality. A second point, is the depiction as being racist and spiteful. It does happen and it's not something to be depicted as such, in movies or media. But people are hateful. Not necesarily racist, but hateful. In this movie, at least in my oppinion, the hate for Kai is for being raised by the innacuratly depicted tengu and not neccesarily his race. Or at least it was meant to be. And the samurai stating he'd rather die than be saved by Kai can also be attibuted to that background. He was also brought back to help them, not because of his english heritage but for the dark gifts he got from the -not really- tengu. What do you think about this perspective ? Could my points pass as valid ? And maybe reduce the negativ ways of perception for a more optimistic and positiv point of view ? Have a good day and thank you for all your work.
hey listen man, shogo, from what i understand in life, negativity is always needed to bring out the positive manner of things; this is why some movie reviewers need to be more honest in their review
There was nothing disrespectful said in this review. I am glad you made it with honesty. Thank you, Shogo.
Man i know that you lie under your mask, no offense but stop please, i didnt like the movie either but i m not fakeing, the fact that you actually mad at the movie and the whole western culture from japanese sea on.. you are no different, i love japanese culture but stop acting like a snob p****
Please make a video about the movie "memoirs of a geisha"
Agree
I actually thought that would be the next movie review, because I completely forget this movie existed.
It has a lot of inaccuracies and the author was actually sued by a former geisha Mineko Iwasaki because he credited her against her request. I’m currently reading her book “Geisha: A Life” and recommend it. He really took a lot of her life and wrote some of the things about geisha in a negative light-she says.
@@ax4592 yes! Geisha - a life is really good!
Accurate to history or not, the novel was well written from a literature standpoint. The main characters were very sympathetic, and the book could evoke real emotional responses from the reader.
I just newly "discovered" your channel and am extremely impressed by the diversity of the topics of your videos which show what an intelligent, informed, and insightful person you are. You also have an euphonious golden voice for radio and a photogenic face.
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.
it bothered me that they put this tattooed guy on the cover of the movie, even though he only was on screen for like 3 seconds.
This touches me on a personal level
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!
The Kirin hunt at the beginning didn't convey that this was a live action anime?
I've never seen 47 Ronin, but now I want to. But I will say this, as a Persian I actually liked the movie 300. It was incredibly inaccurate and demeaning in many ways... But it was actually based on a comic and had lots of fantasy involved. But Zack Snyder had incredible comic panel slow-mo shots which made me enjoy it. I personally think any movie based on anything will always be inaccurate. I hear the 2004 Alamo movie was really accurate, and everyone hated it. Since then Hollywood has done anything to get as many people to love their movies. I bet the studio was pressured to make it have fantasy elements etc. Perhaps Hollywood wanted to cater to other Asians and the rest of the world to make it a "better" story. But whenever a person watches a Hollywood movie "based on a true story" they should then read the actual history behind it.
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.
When you were talking about taking Superman and changing it, I immediately though "Wait! Have you SEEN what Japan did with Spiderman?" (LOL)
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!
Maybe it's because despite the changes, Japanese Spider-Man didn't really insult or disrespect the source material?
Supaidaman is an actual collaboration with Marvel. Any changes they did are all legit. No disrespect at all.
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!
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 🙂.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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".
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!
I actually respect you and I actually appreciate how honest you are much respect my brother❤❤😊
I watched the film for Keanu Reeves. Honestly, it was a mess! But I enjoyed it for the fantasy elements and Keanu.
I feel the same way when Japanese movies, anime or manga misrepresents French culture, or religions. I guess it's not just a Hollywood problem. For exemple, Versailles no Bara takes place in the very historical setting of France before and at the beginning of the French Revolution, and features historical figures like Marie-Antoinette (who is friend with Oscar, the protagonist, a fictional character). When I was a kid, I thought Oscar truly existed. The author of the manga took liberties with historical facts, but as a child, I did not get it, and I don't think most foreigners knew what was accurate or not. As an adult, I know it's called historical fiction, and I enjoyed the anime as a child, but I just wanted to point it out. Hollywood took liberties with a lot of cultural and historical material, but I think that a lot of movies made about another culture or history will have the same problem, regardless of who made them.
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.
That's exactly how Hollywood treats anime adaptations lol
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..
Ever thought about reviewing some of Akira Kurosawa's films, such as Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and Throne of Blood?
I would want a review of James Clavells "Shogun"
Yeah, me too. That would greatly interest me as well.
Yes was thinking the same thing.
Oh no...
It's being remade as we speak. I dread to see what they do of... the, adapted, story of William Adams. :D
@@djstevie69 oh dear me! I enjoyed the original TV series. Not sure I could watch a remake.
I have seen the trailer and heard the title when it came out and I said to myself, "No thank you".
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.
I prefer it that other People are Honest, and not that they Lie.
You should do more Film Revives.
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.
I am not Japanese but love the culture, language, humor, etc. and decided to watch it recently. I am having troubles finishing it because it simply doesn’t feel Japanese in any way and although I didn’t know the story of the 47 ronin, even I in my little knowledge know that this movie just doesn’t feel Japanese and I had de suspicion that it had nothing to do with the real story. Thank you for your video!
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....
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.
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.
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.
You are an excellent teacher! A+ for your educational skills!!
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
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.
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...
I think in the About Shogo and other background videos he said that Harumi provides illustrations!
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
Hi Shogo! I guess you can also review "Memoirs of a Geisha"
Completely agree. Just watch the original 3.5 hrs film, and learn a lot about Edo period Japan.
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.
14:45 oh hollywood LOVES this trope. If they don't cast a white actor as a hafu they cast an actual hafu actor and then have every Japanese character hate them for this. It's a consistent theme
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.
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
U really think demons and witches don't exist?
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.
So true what he said about the language. The story takes place in (imaginary) Japan and because it is a Hollywood movie it is in english... BUT then why all natives in the imaginary Japan talks like foreigners, while the only foreigner speaks like he is the only one who can speak the native language fluently?
I am (asian) german... I do have reverse complains about Hollywood movies taking place in germany. For some reasons Hollywood mostly does not cast native germans, but US citicens with german heritage... but their german just huts my ears, being born and live in germany.
I hope Hollywood will change one day.
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.
The film features demons and magic--I never took it to be a realistic retelling of anything but instead as an action flick that lifts various East Asian aesthetics in order to embellish a popcorn movie. I'm of the mind that media like this, Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh, or the Yasuke anime are less about rendering historically faithful stories and more about leveraging aesthetics towards their own goals of entertainment. In that way, it feels unfair to judge them from a historical lens; rather, I am first and foremost engaged with them as entertainment pieces. So I definitely fall more into the camp of "If this wasn't called X, it'd be a good movie/game/show/story", but I actually do feel that evoking the names of older stories/histories doesn't sully them at all. Those stories and histories still exist and can be enjoyed just as much both before and after the existence of any media that takes inspiration from them.
If these pieces of media get people interested in the actual history, that's all the better, as most Western audiences aren't likely to have that sort of exposure otherwise. I know for a fact that many people who played Nioh did not know all of the major players of Sengoku era and learned a lot from the game itself. Then again, I usually don't let entertainment color my perception of history/the world--it's hard for me to think that anyone who came across the "47 Ronin" movie saw it as rendering a 'real' Japan/Japanese story because it's so heavily steeped in being a fantasy movie and doesn't present itself as a historic retelling, just like anyone who played Nioh would understand that there weren't actually literally demons in Mitsunari's army or that William Adams had a magical spirit guide and played a pivotal role in every event of the war.
What I'm actually more curious about are the discrepancies between films that put on more historic airs (such Akira Kurosawa's many films) and how those deviate from actual historical fact. In general, it seems that Samurai are often romanticized as much (if not more) than the 'chivalric knights' of Western history and it leaves me curious to know where that popular fiction deviates from reality.
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! 😊💖🙏
You're doin good lad
Don’t worry man believe me I agree I’d love to actually have a faithful telling of the 47 ronin I don’t mind a fantasy in a Japanese setting but it should be it’s own thing fact is sometimes better then fiction
Honestly, 47 ronins is one of my fav movie depicting some asian elements. ANd i did enjoy it before the fact that there's inappropriateness in it. But nevertheless, it's a fiction, a fantasy so tho there are misconceptions, i can't deny the fact that i enjoyed it with utmost appreciation and respect to actors, the scenes, environment, and interest to Japan itself...
Edit 2:
P.S. But....I hope next time, Asian elements on movies are related as it was an information. No one wants to be informed incorrectly, right?
Amusingly, when I went to Sengaku temple in Tokyo (the place the leaders and most of the members where buried), the souvenirs shops nearby has their walls plastered with posters of Keanu Reeves' Ronin movie. That made me chuckle. I bought a very nice banner that has the names of the 47 ronins.
Watch the 1962 "Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki" film for a more accurate and intense film version of the incident.
btw Shogo: what about Twilight Samurai? its one of the samurai movies i really love. what is your opinion about it?
1:03 my friend don't apologize, you gave an honest review. If that upsets people, so be it, you cannot please everyone.
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
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.
It's a Japanese cultural channel...
@@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.
I learn from these channel really allot abouth Japan. You are really professional, polite , honest and best TH-cam ambassador of Japan .
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.
Outside the U.S? They dont even get U.S history right🤣
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 🇧🇷
I consider myself a well read japanophile and I just treated the movie as an entertaining guilty pleasure.
you should review "Ghost Of Tsushima" like how you did with "47 Ronin" i'd love to hear your thoughts on that
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.
Could you do a Review of Kill Bill Vol. 1? It would be so interesting to hear what you say about it.
but I loved that movie 😭 why, why tomodachi... why?
Would you consider reviewing Sword of The Stranger? It's absolutely amazing.
Oh no. A movie wasn’t %100 accurate…
Please give your thoughts on the story of Zaitoichi and the Shikomizue weapon in a future video?
I "liked" your video, but to be offended by an American made fantasy movie because it didn't follow the original story seems weird. Take it for what it was!
It was bad to name it 47 Ronin and tell a different story. You don't play with people's history. Another example: a TV miniseries called Napoleon and Josephine. Armand Assante and Jacqueline Bisset. The only historical fact in it were the characters' names. As for the very well documented and exciting life of that guy, they made an actual mess of it. Ask any French, or any Napoleonic historian or fan, what they think about it. Another one: McBain, with Christopher Walken. It starts in the 80's in a village made of huts with poultry roaming the dirt streets, and calls it "Medellin, Colombia." At the same time period in which drug lord Pablo Escobar was terrorizing that big, wealthy, modern *CITY.*
Sometimes, too often, Hollywood has a talent to offend by disregarding culture, history, and facts, that makes American people look like as careless, ignorant and rude.
Just take it as it is.
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.
When I saw a lady turn into a smoke dragon, I was pretty sure I wasn't watching a historical documentary.
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.
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.
You are kind of the perfect person to review this particular movie haha
Thank you for this video Shogo. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts as keeper of tradition.
I understand and I appreciate you willingness to be honest...I find it very admirable........
Shogo, I'd be interested to hear your opinion of the 1941 "The 47 Ronin parts 1 & 2" by director Kenji Mizoguchi.
Would you be interested in also making reviews of TV series episodes? I'd really like to hear your opinion on the Shogunworld episodes in the Westworld series.
Dear Shogo, it would be very interesting to see your reviews of classic films like Ran, Kagemusha, Harakiri (1962), Sanjuro and other great films of Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Kobayashi, Yôji Yamada and Hideo Gosha.
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.
I greatly appreciate your thoughtful and well laid out points. One thing to consider though--this film is a would-be Hollywood blockbuster and CGI fest posing as a quasi-historical treatment of an actual event. The writers of this film probably spent only a day or two researching the subject matter, instead relying on CGI and cobbled-together fantasy elements to carry the plot. Look at films like Tombstone and Midway, two flicks purporting to recount actual events, but are so loose with the details and so heavily dramatized that they might as well be considered pure fiction.
Since you lived in Michigan, do a video comparing Japanese and Detroit-Style pizza
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.
Hi Shogo, one of my favorite movies ever is Twilight Samurai, would love to hear your review of it.
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!
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!
You just made me wanna watch Red Sun with Toshiro Mifune and Charles Bronson. Good video.
I would love to see a review on an old TV series from the 80s "Shogun"
Love the channel. I would also love to see a review of Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku-hen, the OVA not the anime series.
Thank you Shogo. I agree with everything you have said and that is why I don't generally like watching Hollywood films. I much prefer to watch films made and produced by local producers. By the way can you please consider doing reviews on The Grave of the Fireflies and Rurouni 1,2 & 3.
As I said in my comment in your other movie review, do one on James Clavell’s ‘Shogun’ starring Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlaine.
Looking much forward to you talk about When the last sword is drawn.
THIS! LOVE THUS FILM SO MUCH
@@LeonM4c its my favorite samurai movie. Also how I got to know About Shinsengumi.