The 47 Ronin: Mizoguchi’s Epic of Honor and Resistance
The 47 Ronin? Clocking on at four hours, it’s more like The 47 Roninzzz, amirite?
In ’42, smack dab in the thick of WWII, Kenji Mizoguchi drops a colossal political masterpiece, spotlighting a real historical saga. A crew of 18th-century samurai caught in the whirlwind after their lord gets the raw end of the deal from the shogun, losing his castle and facing the grim reaper.
These warriors, the ones in the title, step up to right the wrongs, taking on an authoritarian regime while holding tight to that code of honor that defines a samurai. Mizoguchi, now here’s the kicker, pulls off a tightrope act, giving a nod to wartime vibes by glorifying their self-sacrifice. But at the same time, he puts the spotlight on their conscience and resistance, painting a picture that’s as much about standing up as it is about following orders.
Look around you. Everyone here has brought his short sword as well as a cotton robe, possibly never to see his family again, prepared to die.
The movie is full of histrionics and lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth. And there are lots of fantastic establishing shots and walk-and-talk scenes. But don’t expect a lot swordplay. The first action takes place at the 7:25 mark in the first part of the movie, and the next bit of action takes place at the 24:26 mark in part two. You don’t even get to see the 47 ronin take their revenge!
The samurai’s world? It's a man’s world, no doubt about it. But hold onto your hats because Mizoguchi builds this crescendo of honor and carnage, and guess who’s shaking things up? A woman, the fiancée of one of these samurai, steps in and flips the script. Her concerns? Just as gutsy, civic-minded, and epic as those warriors.
Mizoguchi’s The 47 Ronin is an epic flick where love, nobility, and bloodshed collide with an ending that will punch you in the gut. Well worth the long ride.
