Keanu Reeves has spoken out about upcoming project 47 Ronin , the epic action movie that draws on Japanese folklore.
Set up with Carl Erik Rinsch in the director’s chair, Reeves will play Kai, a mixed-race samurai who is looking to gain vengeance against Lord Kira, who killed his master.
“Japanese kids grow up with this story told to them,” says Reeves. “They hear it from family and they learn it in school, it’s part of the culture. It’s been made into movies many times and on television.
“It’s like our westerns, the story keeps being told. It’s been reworked in some ways [ for this new film ] but with great care and respect.”
The actor adds that the sadness of the character is what made him so appealing. “There’s a sadness about him and I admire the grace he shows in response to other people’s feelings,” Reeves reveals.
“He doesn’t have anger about the way he is viewed, but there is sadness and I’ve found that an interesting thing to work with.”
47 Ronin opens in 3D on 11 November, 2012.
