Universal has released the first trailer for director Carl Rinsch’s upcoming fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin.  The film stars Keanu Reeves and centers on a troupe of banished samurai who long to restore their honor and find vengeance against the treacherous Lord Kira (played by Tadanobu Asano) who was responsible for the death of their master.  As you'll see from the trailer, there's a heavy supernatural element as well, and sadly, it doesn't do much for me.  The classic historical tale of Chūshingura seems to be dwarfed by special effects, and not particularly imaginative ones at that (swooshing fabric turns into monsters).  I want to be convinced this could be a good movie, but trailers that try to turn kazoos into rock music are a bit of turn-off.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer, and click here for four character posters.  The film also stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Kô Shibasaki, and Rinko Kikuchi.  47 Ronin opens in 3D on December 25th.

Click over to Apple to see the trailer in HD.

Here’s the official synopsis for 47 Ronin:

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.