2013 James Mangold film about that old kanucklehead.
Here is your trailer:
Is the Wolverine the best at what he does in this movie? Well, let's talk about the set-up first. Logan saves a Japanese soldier's life in Nagasaki when the A-bomb drops. Years later Logan is living in the Alaskan wilderness, having taken a vow never to kill again. He is haunted by the ghost of Jean Grey. A Japanese woman finds him and tells him that the man he saved years ago is dying and wants to have a chance to say goodbye. Off to Japan we go!
You get the rest from the trailer. This Wolverine movie is apparently taken from a Chris Claremont/Frank Miller limited run comic from 1982. Not directly, but it is influenced in a major way. They do a good job of applying the ronin concept to Wolverine. There is a great line in here about how Wolvie is a soldier and wants what all good soldiers want: An honorable death. Very deep, very Japanese.
The movie questions whether eternal life is a blessing or a curse. Funny, this is the second movie associated with Hugh Jackman and Darren Aronofsky that meditates on the theme of human frailty and eternal life. That is right, Darren Aronofsky was attached to this movie early on to direct, but didn't see it through.
Now, this movie isn't going to win any awards. It is fun. though. It is way better than the last Wolverine movie, and for that matter the last X-Men movie. Hiroyuki Sanada only has a minor role, unfortunately. Seeing him on screen always gives me high hopes. He is an incredible actor. Just check out Last Samurai [***(*)], or Twilight Samurai (****) for that matter. Interestingly, I found out this movie was the first feature length film for both of the leading Japanese actresses.
It has its fair share of problems, including a few head scratching moments, but I would still give it a recommendation. This movie is a great example of how better doesn't have to mean bigger. This is a more personal story, and has a smaller scope that most superhero sequels, but outdoes several of its predecessors. Between 3 and 4 stars ***(*).
Go watch this movie:
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