The first trailer for Carl Rinsch‘s samurai epic 47 Ronin has finally been released – you can watch it here. Also, four new character posters have been released for the film; you can see them all here below.

After what seemed like endless reports of extended shoots, budget cuts, numerous release date changes, even the rumored report of Rinsch’s termination from the project plagued the film, we now have our first look at the results.

In the film, Lord Kira (Tadanobu Asano) recruits a banished samurai warrior (Keanu Reeves) to his troupe of 47 other capable warriors who are determined to kill the person who is responsible for killing their master. The film also stars Ko Shibasaki, Hiroyuki Sanada and Rinko Kikuchi.

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.

While the posters look great, it’s really hard to be impressed with the trailer. Though the fantastical element might be a huge draw, the visual effects are less than stellar. The tapestry or fabric turning into monsters looks cheesy and unpolished. It is also hard to get a grasp on the themes of revenge, especially when it looks like none of the characters are driven by it.

47 Ronin opens in theaters on December 25, 2013.

Posters

[Posters courtesy of Universal Pictures.]