The 47 Loyal Ronin

About This Movie

The 47 Loyal Ronin is a fascinating piece of early Japanese cinema. Directed by Shōzō Makino, this 1910 film features Benshi performers, which adds a unique narrative style not often seen today. It's often debated whether to consider this the first Japanese feature film, and it runs nearly three hours, though it's a patchwork of various adaptations from the 1910s. The bulk comes from a 1911 version, showcasing the evolving art of storytelling through visuals and performance. The pacing feels different from modern films, reflective of its time, and it has a certain atmospheric weight. It’s one of those films that really lets you feel the texture of Japanese history through cinema, even if it’s a compilation.

Part of a compilation from various 1910s adaptationsNotable for its use of Benshi narrationNearly three hours in lengthDirected by Shōzō Makino, a key figure in early cinema