Many thanks to @voguejp for tweeting their link!
Keanu Reeves’ interview with Vogue Japan is out. It also has four photos, two studio shots and two movies stills.
You can use the google or bing translator for for a full translation but a rough translation is below:
‘And Aspirations of a 50-year-old? I Reveal the Real Face of Keanu Reeves’
The introduction mentions his hits Speed and The Matrix series in launching him to the top of the Hollywood power rankings. They also say that he has the aura of a natural star. They seem to indicate that after reaching the top, he has a down-time period in his career. They also make reference to his no frills private life and the fact that he has taken breaks from acting to look for new challenges. The mention his versatility in producing and hosting Side by Side and directing Man of Tai Chi.
V: After a good job, do you take a holiday?
KR: I love the bike from the old days. I meet with friends, go see a movie or read a book. You also have to think about and plan what to do next.
V: As you are getting older, your dignity is increasing but your youthful appearance remains. What is your secret?
KR: I was blessed with very good grandparents or a good DNA from my ancestors. And sometimes I do workout, but not hard and I watch my diet but it is hard at times as he pats his ?belly (laughs).
V: You will celebrate turning 50 next year. Is there any new challenges you want to do?
KR: I want to direct films. I am attracted to Oriental ones. I want to do that kind of genre in the future. I also want to consider the scenarios for the story. I think I want to continue to work every single challenge (ie., act, produce, direct).
V: You seem to have been involved in “47 Ronin” from the planning stage but at what point did it attract you?
KR: I was fascinated by the world that this movie produces. I felt that it is like westerns, and in terms of the story there is love, honor and vengeance. the film is based on a famous story but it has been embellished with mythical characters. I play a heretic (half-breed) orphan that has an illicit love affair with the princess. He is gradually accepted. He is an immigrant and that point is a universal one.
V: What preparations did you do for the role?
KR: I had to learn how to use a sword for a sword fight. So I began training in November of 2010 for one and a half months. I started with basic training in sword fighting and then did it in the movie. Sanada (played by Oishi built-in Assistant) is an expert in Samurai tactics and he taught me various techniques. But this movie isn’t like old samurai movies, the fighting is surprisingly different and I struggled to make the fight a meaningful part of the action of the story.
V: Is the forbidden love of childhood friends Mika and Kai sad?
KR: Kai and Mika, an outsider and a princess, there status is too different and of the two, I flare up. Even while put out, the Princess’ beauty and dignified temperament shines through. Shiba Misaki-San ishows her weaker side, it was wonderful.
V: What do you think of your co-star who was called master Hiroyuki Sanada at the press conference?
KR: Mr. Sanada’s was like a brother to me. I had a great relationship with him starting from the preparation stage, he was really kind to me and helped me. His enthusiasm for this project was also great and he had a strong sense of responsibility more than anything else. Oishi was a built-in Assistant itself so that helped, but Sanada never raised his voice in any situation (Bing translator but the google says that Keanu never raised his voice to Sanada – seems safe to say they neither men raised their voices at each other).
V: What do you think of Tadanobu Asano of Kirakozukenosuke role , Rinko Kikuchi ‘s Yojo Mizuki role of mystery , for Akanishi Jin ‘s Oishi Chikara auditors?
KR: Mr. Asano was great as the youthful villain and it was easy to hate him. Kira does anything to get what he wants and watching the dancers close-up scenes were impressive. To seduce a man Ms. Kikuchi’s face is very mysterious and it was was true to life. Jin akanishi’s deep thoughts and heart were reflected in his acting.
V: How did you communicate with the Japanese cast?
KR: they spoke to me in English and I also studied Japanese. I think it is a great experience and opportunity to act in a foreign language. It allows you to feel the difference of culture.
V: What did you learn about the Samurai spirit from 47 Ronin?
KR: the film teaches that sometimes you need to make sacrifices to achieve something. Performing with Mr. Sanada was really good as well.