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47 Ronin
SEIZE ETERNITY
Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of ronin must seek the help of Kai (Reeves)--a half-breed they once rejected--as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft, and wondrous terrors.
As this exiled, enslaved outcast becomes their most deadly weapon, he will transform into the hero who inspires this band of outnumbered rebels to seize eternity.
Helmed by director Carl Rinsch (The Gift), 47 Ronin is produced by Pamela Addy (Identity Theft, the upcoming Endless Love) and Eric McLeod (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the Austin Powers series).
Based on the Screenplay by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini
Screen Story by Chris Morgan and Walter Hamada
Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of ronin must seek the help of Kai (Reeves)--a half-breed they once rejected--as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft, and wondrous terrors.
As this exiled, enslaved outcast becomes their most deadly weapon, he will transform into the hero who inspires this band of outnumbered rebels to seize eternity.
Helmed by director Carl Rinsch (The Gift), 47 Ronin is produced by Pamela Addy (Identity Theft, the upcoming Endless Love) and Eric McLeod (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the Austin Powers series).
Based on the Screenplay by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini
Screen Story by Chris Morgan and Walter Hamada
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
38 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Joan D. Vinge
134 books445 followersJoan D. Vinge (born Joan Carol Dennison) is an American science fiction author. She is known for such works as her Hugo Award-winning novel The Snow Queen and its sequels, her series about the telepath named Cat, and her Heaven's Chronicles books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 29, 2015
Am incercat sa fac abstractie de faptul ca este dezvoltarea unui scenariu de film, si am notat-o cu trei stele. Cartea si filmul sunt identice ca actiune si, cu exceptia a doua, cel mult trei scene mai minutios realizate, romanul este compus din divagatii, de o autenticitate si intindere discutabile, despre universul traditional, moral si mitic in care evolueaza personajele. Cred ca este suficient sa vedeti filmul.
July 22, 2016
Признавам си не бях си взимала досега книга, писана по филма, класическият вариант е обратен, но поне вече разбрах, че и по този начин книгата, макар напълно по филма, може да го превъзхожда. Е, разбира се, бях една от първите отишли да видят новата адаптация на легендата и в кината. Не след дълго като ми попадна в ръчичките книгата се насладих на макс, като всеки самоуважаващ се фен на японските митове и легенди.
Очаквано, но жителите в страната на изгряващото слънце заклеймиха филма подобно на „Мемоарите на една гейша”. Как иначе, тук в разгара а събитието се оказва един мелез отгледан от духове приели будизма тенгу, макар наричан от любимата си - тенин, божествен принц, всички самураи го ненавиждат. В центъра намираме и любовната история, която е редом (ако не и лекичко измества) главната идея, а именно връзката господар-самурай, защото самурай означава "този, който служи", а самураят без господар се зове ронин. Щом няма на кого да служи, той е обезчестен.
http://tebeshirche.blogspot.bg/2014/0...
Очаквано, но жителите в страната на изгряващото слънце заклеймиха филма подобно на „Мемоарите на една гейша”. Как иначе, тук в разгара а събитието се оказва един мелез отгледан от духове приели будизма тенгу, макар наричан от любимата си - тенин, божествен принц, всички самураи го ненавиждат. В центъра намираме и любовната история, която е редом (ако не и лекичко измества) главната идея, а именно връзката господар-самурай, защото самурай означава "този, който служи", а самураят без господар се зове ронин. Щом няма на кого да служи, той е обезчестен.
http://tebeshirche.blogspot.bg/2014/0...
January 8, 2014
Despite its flaws, it was a good tale and moving. I am not a fantasy fan, but there was not an overwhelming amount. This was the classic tale of the 47 ronin with a half breed, a witch, and demons added to the conflict. The love story was touching at times, and the character development interesting. Overall, very good.
December 30, 2013
Brilliant new take on the story and legacy of the 47 Ronin. I'm very familiar with the actual events the 47 Ronin partook in. This new story takes the heart of the story and adds new dimensions to it. It's a fascinating to read as the story unfolds.
February 26, 2020
How did I wait this long to read this?
Samurai!
Japanese mythology!
What a bloody brilliant book!
Samurai!
Japanese mythology!
What a bloody brilliant book!
December 29, 2016
This novelization was better than I thought it would be. Not only is it based on a movie, but it is apparently based on a historical event [with fantasy elements woven into the story]. It moved at a fast pace; at four hundred thirtysome pages, I finished it much sooner than I anticipated [which was okay with me; it was starting to reach the point when I was wondering how much longer before it was over]. Never having seen the movie, I cannot assess how well it "translates" the movie into written form, but I still thought the author did a nice job telling the story. It had some interesting character development in it; it also was different to read as it was told from a completely different point-of-view than that with which I am familiar in the books I tend to read.
I know I said the character development was "interesting", but that might have been too generous. Kai probably had the most development in terms of his character, followed by Oishi. There was another samurai/Ronin who was an interesting character, but now his name escapes me. A lot of the characters introduced did not really have much development to them; I do not know if I would call them 'stock characters' because of the lack of development, but these characters really did not add much 'meaning' to the narrative when they were "present" in the telling. Not that it matters.
I was kind of leery .
Having read the novelization, I may end up watching the movie sooner than later. We shall see. Regardless, I am glad I read the book.
I know I said the character development was "interesting", but that might have been too generous. Kai probably had the most development in terms of his character, followed by Oishi. There was another samurai/Ronin who was an interesting character, but now his name escapes me. A lot of the characters introduced did not really have much development to them; I do not know if I would call them 'stock characters' because of the lack of development, but these characters really did not add much 'meaning' to the narrative when they were "present" in the telling. Not that it matters.
I was kind of leery .
Having read the novelization, I may end up watching the movie sooner than later. We shall see. Regardless, I am glad I read the book.
August 18, 2017
Ако не обичате да ходите на кино, книгата е добър избор – ще ви покаже същото, но не в няколко-D, а в 430 страници. Ако филмът толкова много ви хареса, че започнете да четете японска история само заради него, то книгата отново ще ви влезе в употреба – ще ви помогне да възприемете сюжета и героите му в по-голяма дълбочина. Имайте предвид обаче, че 430 страници са си множко за такъв сюжет и това се изразява в твърде дълги и на моменти излишни описания.
Цялото ревю на http://scifi.bg/?p=21559
Цялото ревю на http://scifi.bg/?p=21559
December 14, 2013
The movie 47 Ronin is coming out on Christmas Day. The trailer looks very interesting. I see the paperback novelization in the store and think "Why not? Maybe this will help me decide."
It did. I'm going and probably on Christmas Day.
First of all, the trailer promised super special effects. The book, since it is based on the movie, shows us what those will be. A couple of them will be fantastic monsters which usually clinches a show for me, ever since Aliens came out.
But, amazingly, the story is well done also. The book, of course, can expand on the film script, but I can't see where this could go off course much.
A half-breed, half Japanese, half Dutch, an outcast, considered no better than an animal. A shape-shifter. A monstrous kirin. An enormous yokai. A mysterious Sea of Trees also known as the Tengu Forest. A lovely daimyo's daughter. An evil daimyo. And, suddenly, unexpectedly, 47 ronin.
Even if you don't want to see the movie, but you like this type of book, read it. It's worth it.
It did. I'm going and probably on Christmas Day.
First of all, the trailer promised super special effects. The book, since it is based on the movie, shows us what those will be. A couple of them will be fantastic monsters which usually clinches a show for me, ever since Aliens came out.
But, amazingly, the story is well done also. The book, of course, can expand on the film script, but I can't see where this could go off course much.
A half-breed, half Japanese, half Dutch, an outcast, considered no better than an animal. A shape-shifter. A monstrous kirin. An enormous yokai. A mysterious Sea of Trees also known as the Tengu Forest. A lovely daimyo's daughter. An evil daimyo. And, suddenly, unexpectedly, 47 ronin.
Even if you don't want to see the movie, but you like this type of book, read it. It's worth it.
June 18, 2016
Stopped halfway, which I never do. All the characters were incredibly stereotypical and the story was totally predictable. This could be the one time where the movie is better than the book
August 31, 2014
wow! Beautifully narrated. It will be interesting to see if the movie will do the book justice.
April 20, 2018
Usually when you think "tie-in novelization" you think a cheap cash-grab released on the tail of some big-budget movie either conscious of its own narrative flaws and in need of some supplemental material to fix it or confident enough to add something extra that was left on the cutting room floor. Seldom, however, do you think these novels to be carefully crafted, well-written and with a much, MUCH greater depth than the media product they release alongside.
With this book, Joan D. Vinge showcases an admirable passion and love for her craft, as she takes what was and admittedly mediocre Hollywood action-fantasy romp and carefully carves an actually enjoyable work of fiction from it. I hadn't seen the movie until I finished this book, and when I sat down to watch it I was, well, quite surprised at just how good this novel was, and how much better the movie could've been had they focused on characterization, mysticism and the more human elements of Vinge's novelization instead of, you know, big action sequences. It is, I must grant, a colorful movie, and very aesthetically pleasing, but that's about it. Meanwhile, the novel works on its own merit, and could've been by itself a very fun if not flawless re-imagining of the epic story which inspired the script.
Again, it's well-written, evenly developed and offers a lot more than its movie counterpart. This is much better than just your average novelization, and if you're looking for a fantasy twist on a traditional Japanese tale this book will certainly scratch that itch. Just do yourself a favor and don't watch the movie before, or after, or ever. This book is good enough as it is, now need to sour the experience.
With this book, Joan D. Vinge showcases an admirable passion and love for her craft, as she takes what was and admittedly mediocre Hollywood action-fantasy romp and carefully carves an actually enjoyable work of fiction from it. I hadn't seen the movie until I finished this book, and when I sat down to watch it I was, well, quite surprised at just how good this novel was, and how much better the movie could've been had they focused on characterization, mysticism and the more human elements of Vinge's novelization instead of, you know, big action sequences. It is, I must grant, a colorful movie, and very aesthetically pleasing, but that's about it. Meanwhile, the novel works on its own merit, and could've been by itself a very fun if not flawless re-imagining of the epic story which inspired the script.
Again, it's well-written, evenly developed and offers a lot more than its movie counterpart. This is much better than just your average novelization, and if you're looking for a fantasy twist on a traditional Japanese tale this book will certainly scratch that itch. Just do yourself a favor and don't watch the movie before, or after, or ever. This book is good enough as it is, now need to sour the experience.
September 8, 2021
Japonia, circa 1680
Dacă cineva l-ar fi întrebat, ar fi spus că luptase pentru viaţa lui, alergase pentru viaţa lui...
fugise toată viaţa. Chiar şi atunci când corpul său bătut nu mai putea nici măcar să se adune ca să
se ridice de pe podea, chiar şi atunci, cu tot sufletul şi inima sa, a rezistat, fugind în vis de Marea
de Copaci şi de minciunile pe care i le spuseseră acolo, refuzând să se transforme în ceea ce ar fi
vrut ei.
Dar el nu fusese niciodată destul de aproape sau pentru suficient de mult timp lângă niciunul
dintre semenii săi astfel încât cineva să-l fi putut întreba.
Aşa că aşteptase, îndurase, gândindu-se la clipa în care şansa lui va veni... până când, în sfârşit,
aceasta sosise.
Iar acum alerga, aşa cum alerga de zile întregi, prin întunericul copacilor primordiali, unde
lumina soarelui abia dacă pătrundea suficient de adânc ca să-i spună când ziua devenea noapte.
Evitase orice lumini îndepărtate, orice spaţiu deschis – un drum sau un sat, absolut orice i-ar fi
putut înşela ochii, transformându-se într-o capcană. Nu putea să-şi asume niciun risc până nu
descoperea ce era, de fapt, lucrul spre care alerga.
Începuse să credă că pădurile de munte nu se vor mai sfârşi niciodată, exact aşa cum îl
ameninţaseră atunci când îi spuseseră că nu va face nimic altceva decât să alerge zadarnic în cerc,
până când va reveni, în cele din urma, la cei cărora le aparţinea.
Dacă cineva l-ar fi întrebat, ar fi spus că luptase pentru viaţa lui, alergase pentru viaţa lui...
fugise toată viaţa. Chiar şi atunci când corpul său bătut nu mai putea nici măcar să se adune ca să
se ridice de pe podea, chiar şi atunci, cu tot sufletul şi inima sa, a rezistat, fugind în vis de Marea
de Copaci şi de minciunile pe care i le spuseseră acolo, refuzând să se transforme în ceea ce ar fi
vrut ei.
Dar el nu fusese niciodată destul de aproape sau pentru suficient de mult timp lângă niciunul
dintre semenii săi astfel încât cineva să-l fi putut întreba.
Aşa că aşteptase, îndurase, gândindu-se la clipa în care şansa lui va veni... până când, în sfârşit,
aceasta sosise.
Iar acum alerga, aşa cum alerga de zile întregi, prin întunericul copacilor primordiali, unde
lumina soarelui abia dacă pătrundea suficient de adânc ca să-i spună când ziua devenea noapte.
Evitase orice lumini îndepărtate, orice spaţiu deschis – un drum sau un sat, absolut orice i-ar fi
putut înşela ochii, transformându-se într-o capcană. Nu putea să-şi asume niciun risc până nu
descoperea ce era, de fapt, lucrul spre care alerga.
Începuse să credă că pădurile de munte nu se vor mai sfârşi niciodată, exact aşa cum îl
ameninţaseră atunci când îi spuseseră că nu va face nimic altceva decât să alerge zadarnic în cerc,
până când va reveni, în cele din urma, la cei cărora le aparţinea.
December 10, 2025
Inainte de a vorbi despre opera de fata trebuie sa amintim ca Tsunanori Yamao are o poveste care se numeste "Istoria gruparii Shinpuren" si este despre hotararea pe care guvernul a luat-o de a le interzice samurailor portul de sabie si parul lung. In urma acestei decizii ei se revolta, lupta, pierd si cei 46 de samurai ramasi in viata recurg la seppuku. Despre o situatie asemanatoare dar si despre codul de onoare Bushido, demnitate mai presus de orice, puritatea sufletului si despre sinucidere si renastere putem citi in romanul de fata.
Ca actiune de aflam in Japonia feudala a anilor 1680-1700. Daimyo Asano si supusii sai samurai vanau intr-o zi in padure atunci cand au dat peste un copil strain - "corcitura" cum l-au numit ei. Plin de compasiune, stapanul decide sa-l ia acasa cu el. Acolo o va intalni pe domnita Mika, fiica stapanului Asano, care il va boteza pe baiat Kai. Fata va fi atrasa de el si petrecandu-si timpul impreuna vor ajunge sa se indragosteasca.
Stapanul Asano insa are un dusman - Daimyo Kira si pana la urma Kai va trebui sa-si apere tatal adoptiv, pe Mika si sa devina la randul sau un adevarat samurai.
Cartea este foarte frumoasa, plina de imaginatie, prezentand o lume fermecata, magica, populata de yokai, de kirin sau de kitsune. Toate aceste fiinte supranaturale, spirite si zei dau un aer de basm, de legenda, de mitologie japoneza.
Avem de toate: descrieri bogate, lupte spectaculoase cu katana, viclesuguri si tradari, o poveste de dragoste imposibila, tragedie si victorie - toate formand caractere puternice.
Romanul este generos in detalii pentru pasionatii de istorie a Japoniei - avem descrieri ale portului, ale obiceiurilor nobililor, eticheta de la palat, suita shogunului, conduita femeilor nobile etc.
Lucrul care m-a surprins a fost faptul ca nu gasim nici macar o singura nota de subsol in toata cartea si mi se pare greu de crezut ca avand atatea expresii in japoneza sa nu fie necesare. Autoarea se straduieste sa le explice pe unele insa altele raman in aer. Ecranizarea cu Keanu Reeves in rolul principal este de asemenea una reusita.
O carte asadar pentru cei care inca mai cred in dreptate absoluta, demnitate si onoare mai presus de orice, noblete, cinste si puritatea sufletului. Pentru toti acestia exista Bushido. Insa calea samuraiului este calea spre moarte. Dar nu oricum.
Ca actiune de aflam in Japonia feudala a anilor 1680-1700. Daimyo Asano si supusii sai samurai vanau intr-o zi in padure atunci cand au dat peste un copil strain - "corcitura" cum l-au numit ei. Plin de compasiune, stapanul decide sa-l ia acasa cu el. Acolo o va intalni pe domnita Mika, fiica stapanului Asano, care il va boteza pe baiat Kai. Fata va fi atrasa de el si petrecandu-si timpul impreuna vor ajunge sa se indragosteasca.
Stapanul Asano insa are un dusman - Daimyo Kira si pana la urma Kai va trebui sa-si apere tatal adoptiv, pe Mika si sa devina la randul sau un adevarat samurai.
Cartea este foarte frumoasa, plina de imaginatie, prezentand o lume fermecata, magica, populata de yokai, de kirin sau de kitsune. Toate aceste fiinte supranaturale, spirite si zei dau un aer de basm, de legenda, de mitologie japoneza.
Avem de toate: descrieri bogate, lupte spectaculoase cu katana, viclesuguri si tradari, o poveste de dragoste imposibila, tragedie si victorie - toate formand caractere puternice.
Romanul este generos in detalii pentru pasionatii de istorie a Japoniei - avem descrieri ale portului, ale obiceiurilor nobililor, eticheta de la palat, suita shogunului, conduita femeilor nobile etc.
Lucrul care m-a surprins a fost faptul ca nu gasim nici macar o singura nota de subsol in toata cartea si mi se pare greu de crezut ca avand atatea expresii in japoneza sa nu fie necesare. Autoarea se straduieste sa le explice pe unele insa altele raman in aer. Ecranizarea cu Keanu Reeves in rolul principal este de asemenea una reusita.
O carte asadar pentru cei care inca mai cred in dreptate absoluta, demnitate si onoare mai presus de orice, noblete, cinste si puritatea sufletului. Pentru toti acestia exista Bushido. Insa calea samuraiului este calea spre moarte. Dar nu oricum.
December 10, 2017
După ce un războinic trădător își ucide mai-marele, 47 de samurai fără stăpân jură să se răzbune și să îndrepte dezonoarea abătută asupra neamului lor.
Roninii străbat o lume sălbatică populată de creaturi mitice și ființe de legendă pentru restabilirea onoarei.
Până în ziua de astăzi, mii de oameni din întreaga Japonie se adună pentru a aduce un omagiu celor 47 de ronini și exemplului lor de curaj, loialitate și onoare.
"Există un loc dincolo de viață și de moarte
Unde cerul este senin și râurile limpezi.
Păstrează-mă în amintire și te voi găsi acolo."
Roninii străbat o lume sălbatică populată de creaturi mitice și ființe de legendă pentru restabilirea onoarei.
Până în ziua de astăzi, mii de oameni din întreaga Japonie se adună pentru a aduce un omagiu celor 47 de ronini și exemplului lor de curaj, loialitate și onoare.
"Există un loc dincolo de viață și de moarte
Unde cerul este senin și râurile limpezi.
Păstrează-mă în amintire și te voi găsi acolo."
June 17, 2017
Surprised myself by liking it a lot. I have an on again, off again relationship with this author as some books I cannot put down and others of the same world I am bored off my tits. Not sure if me & mood or the book really is boring.
If Joan can make me like feudal Japan then it is time to attempt more of her work, especially ones I put down.
If Joan can make me like feudal Japan then it is time to attempt more of her work, especially ones I put down.
March 24, 2018
This is a classic Japanese fable told with great visual invention and emotional characters, but the ending is such a downer I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. What happens within it always makes sense, but the villains are stereotypical and the heroes suffer and endure a lot to reach their bittersweet goals.
July 9, 2018
A great take on one of the most prominent events in Japanese history.
My only comment -- not critique -- is that they didn't push the fantasy aspect far enough. That has no bearing on the interpretation of the screenplay, but there was a huge missed effort by the studio to make something great.
My only comment -- not critique -- is that they didn't push the fantasy aspect far enough. That has no bearing on the interpretation of the screenplay, but there was a huge missed effort by the studio to make something great.
March 7, 2020
"Хората плачат, когато загубят любим човек, защото това създава празнота в собствения им живот, която им причинява болка. Но те не трябва да скърбят за починалия, защото всеки край води до ново начало, както вечната душа се връща чрез колелото на прераждането“.
"Политиката е война — беше й казал веднъж баща й, — просто оръжията са по-добре прикрити"
"Политиката е война — беше й казал веднъж баща й, — просто оръжията са по-добре прикрити"
January 8, 2021
This might be the one and only time where i say this... the movie was better. The book - based on the movie - just seemed confused. And as one of my favorite Keanu movies, i think the movie just outshines the written word - this time.
August 6, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this book is written. Based on the cover, I thought it would be cheesy. But it was profound and touching! The only reason I can’t give it 5 stars is the less than credible story line.
June 15, 2025
Много ми хареса книгата и начинът по който е написана. Пренася те в едни отминали времена от историята на Япония. Разбиранията и вижданията за живота, смърта, честа, семейството, дълга. И филмът и книгата са много добри.
February 3, 2018
Adaptation from the film. It gave quite a bit of background and detail that was not present in the film.
September 7, 2018
Great book, makes you go through all the emotions. I am not a fast reader and finished it in a week!
November 1, 2018
great story, great movie
June 7, 2020
Incredible read
July 30, 2021
Muito bom.
August 6, 2021
Well told story but I'm not sure I'd want to see this as a movie.
August 3, 2019
The book is pretty entertaining. Once you realize it's the book version of a Keanu Reeves film, the fact that it reads like a movie plot makes sense. It takes place in Shogun Japan, but has a good message about acceptance, prejudice, and honor - plus lots of sword fights and a few mythical creatures. Read it for a light, summer read by the pool.
July 19, 2015
This was a huge, huge surprise. I finished it in less than two days. (This might contains spoilers.)
I saw the movie years ago, and despite the not so positive reviews and critics, I liked the movie but it wasn't the best I've ever seen, that's true. But this book? Damn. This is seriously the best book-from-movie book I've ever read, and I read some. I go even further: it's not just a reversed adaptation, no, this book is great as it is. You can forget the movie and the screenplay and everything. It's much more and better than that, feels like it's something entirely different and has nothing to do with the source: the movie.
Sure, this is not the true story of the actual, historical heroes, so you can't really say that it's a historical novel but it's a very good tale; moving and beautiful, teaches you about honor, friendship and the right for vengeance. The writer made resources before she wrote the book and it clearly shows. I've actually learned something about this amazing culture more than from the movie (I didn't learn anything from that, except that you are f*cked if one of your parents are not japaneese, life sucks). Sure, it's not a valid lesson, but it's enough to feel like I'm there and I'm the part of this magical world, this unforgettable quest and all the beautiful tragedies, especially of Kai, this amazing and great character. Even though I love Keanu Reeves and Hiroyuki Sanada, and they were great in the movie, their characters were more alive on the paper than on screen. You can almost actually touch their very souls through the letters and pages. The sentences and descriptions are beautifully written, the storyline and the switches between the POVs are smooth, the characters are much deeper than the movie-characters. I'm really not the crying type but I have to admit: I cried on this book. Several times, not only at the end, because it's beautiful and beautifully delivered and while you feel that all of this is so strange and not fair, you can see and feel that the characters are okay with it. You want to punch someone in the face because of their stupid moral codes and laws but at the same time you respect them and just sit on the couch, holding the book and cry because it's beautiful. Because you know that sure, there are no kitsunes and demons in real life but heroes like these men actually existed and had to go through horrible things like these to get their honor back and then end their own lives because that's how it ends. And you can't do anything else but respect this and accept their decisions in a painful silence.
What I missed from the movie I found in the book, and I found more than I expected. I wasn't emotionally prepared of this at all but of course I loved it. Sometimes the pain feels good.
I saw the movie years ago, and despite the not so positive reviews and critics, I liked the movie but it wasn't the best I've ever seen, that's true. But this book? Damn. This is seriously the best book-from-movie book I've ever read, and I read some. I go even further: it's not just a reversed adaptation, no, this book is great as it is. You can forget the movie and the screenplay and everything. It's much more and better than that, feels like it's something entirely different and has nothing to do with the source: the movie.
Sure, this is not the true story of the actual, historical heroes, so you can't really say that it's a historical novel but it's a very good tale; moving and beautiful, teaches you about honor, friendship and the right for vengeance. The writer made resources before she wrote the book and it clearly shows. I've actually learned something about this amazing culture more than from the movie (I didn't learn anything from that, except that you are f*cked if one of your parents are not japaneese, life sucks). Sure, it's not a valid lesson, but it's enough to feel like I'm there and I'm the part of this magical world, this unforgettable quest and all the beautiful tragedies, especially of Kai, this amazing and great character. Even though I love Keanu Reeves and Hiroyuki Sanada, and they were great in the movie, their characters were more alive on the paper than on screen. You can almost actually touch their very souls through the letters and pages. The sentences and descriptions are beautifully written, the storyline and the switches between the POVs are smooth, the characters are much deeper than the movie-characters. I'm really not the crying type but I have to admit: I cried on this book. Several times, not only at the end, because it's beautiful and beautifully delivered and while you feel that all of this is so strange and not fair, you can see and feel that the characters are okay with it. You want to punch someone in the face because of their stupid moral codes and laws but at the same time you respect them and just sit on the couch, holding the book and cry because it's beautiful. Because you know that sure, there are no kitsunes and demons in real life but heroes like these men actually existed and had to go through horrible things like these to get their honor back and then end their own lives because that's how it ends. And you can't do anything else but respect this and accept their decisions in a painful silence.
What I missed from the movie I found in the book, and I found more than I expected. I wasn't emotionally prepared of this at all but of course I loved it. Sometimes the pain feels good.
August 2, 2016
"I will search for you through a thousand worlds and ten thousand lifetimes until I find you."
Wow. First thing to mention is, that I hate how long it took me to read this book! I should never again start reading a book during exams, because at times it was so hard not to reach for it and read something I needed to read for school.
Well... this was such an amazing book! I've always been kind of mesmerized by Japan and the different culture, traditions and history and all of those elements meet in this book. All the haracters are very different, yet have all something in common. Kai is a stranger in the world of humans a demon, halfbreed how he is often called, yet what he has inside is not an empty space, but heart full of emotions, both possitive and negative. And then there is Mika, a young lady, who is not allowed to love him, to even look at him... even though there is much more motives leading the story, the love story line was the one I loved the most, along with Kai's thoughts and the development of his character. Knowing, in a MUCH small scale but still, how it feels to be different and not accepted by society, I felt for him so much.
The most important storyline, about getting vengeance by getting the wicked lord Kira and his very personal witch Micuke was just awesome. Following Ronins through different situations, watching what is kicune about to do next, how Kira is blinded by his love for himself and for Mika-san as well... was just breathtaking.
And finally, the last scene. It took my breath away. I cannot desribe how I felt reading those lines, them all really closing the circle. I felt like standing there in between spectators, dressed in white, watching the 47 brave men finishing what once was started.
47 Ronin is a story about revenge, about braveness, about standing up for your rights and acting even though you don't really have the blessing from those you need it from. About wild love, magic, different worlds and different people. It definitely is my favourite now and I cannot wait to watch the movie that inspired this book.
Well... this was such an amazing book! I've always been kind of mesmerized by Japan and the different culture, traditions and history and all of those elements meet in this book. All the haracters are very different, yet have all something in common. Kai is a stranger in the world of humans a demon, halfbreed how he is often called, yet what he has inside is not an empty space, but heart full of emotions, both possitive and negative. And then there is Mika, a young lady, who is not allowed to love him, to even look at him... even though there is much more motives leading the story, the love story line was the one I loved the most, along with Kai's thoughts and the development of his character. Knowing, in a MUCH small scale but still, how it feels to be different and not accepted by society, I felt for him so much.
The most important storyline, about getting vengeance by getting the wicked lord Kira and his very personal witch Micuke was just awesome. Following Ronins through different situations, watching what is kicune about to do next, how Kira is blinded by his love for himself and for Mika-san as well... was just breathtaking.
And finally, the last scene. It took my breath away. I cannot desribe how I felt reading those lines, them all really closing the circle. I felt like standing there in between spectators, dressed in white, watching the 47 brave men finishing what once was started.
47 Ronin is a story about revenge, about braveness, about standing up for your rights and acting even though you don't really have the blessing from those you need it from. About wild love, magic, different worlds and different people. It definitely is my favourite now and I cannot wait to watch the movie that inspired this book.
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