Five Films to see in 2013: 47 Ronin
47 Ronin
Director: Carl Rinsch
Producer: Scott Stuber, Pamela Abdy, Eric McLeod
Cast: Keanu Reeves
Production Company: Universal
Release date: Boxing Day, 2013.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE FIRST TRAILER!!
"A spectacular film but it will need to take $500m just to break even"
47 Ronin has been one of the most anticipated films of 2012, it now looks like it could be one of the most anticipated films of 2014 due to recent turbulence on the project.
The story of the 47 Ronin is the very popular (and true) story about a legion of loyal Samurai from Japan. Set in 1701, the 47 Ronin exact revenge on the man who killed their master. The film was intended to mark Keanu Reeves’ big comeback.
Universal Pictures chose commercials director, Carl Rinsch to helm the film and gave him a budget of $175m to create a 3D extravaganza. Filming took place in Japan, Hungary and Shepperton Studios last year, using many members of thecallsheet among the thousands of crew involved. The set builds were huge, there were hundreds of ornate and intricate costumes and the action sequences were detailed. It would have been a handful for any director.
According to The Wrap, director Rinsch has recently been “moved aside” from the film after completing the Reshoots in August. Among the reasons for easing Rinsch from the edit was that he had failed to include Reeves in key fight scenes. Universal co-chairwoman Donna Langley has taken charge of the project from here on.
47 Ronin was originally due to be released in 2012. However, with the added reshoots and several post production contracts being extended to March 2013, the film has finally been set for release on Boxing day 2013.
It promises to be a spectacular film but it will need to take $500m just to break even. It's easy to understand why Carl Rinsch was given this project, his commercials are stunning. Despite the production taking longer than expected, one look at Rinsch's work shows that the film may well be in good hands after all....
Further reading: steadicam operator Paul Edwards blogs about the challenge of a 3D Steadicam rig. Click HERE
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