Reviews are coming in. There are many and they those appearing today will be put here for perusal at your convenience.
The Wrap has post theirs here. They liked the action and sword place. Notably they put the blame directly where it belongs on Universal for entrusting an ambitious film to unproven director Carl Rinsch.
The Hollywood Reporter’s review is here. They have said:
While the reported $175 million budget is evident in the handsome production values of Carl Rinsch’s ambitious first feature, it falls short on character definition, emotional involvement, narrative drive and originality, with a protagonist played by Keanu Reeves who often gets bumped to the sidelines.
Den of Geek’s review is here. They have given it 3/5 stars and said it was flawed but fun.
New Times review is here.
The Jakarta Globe review is here.
Variety has posted their review here.
Update X2: The IGN review is here.
Screen Daily’s review is here.
Update X3: The Indie London has posted their review here. They have said the following:
There are scenes that look spectacular but Rinsch struggles to deliver a notable set piece or even a character worth caring about.
Reeves feels particularly short-changed given that he’s the hero, often drifting along and sometimes being pushed to the sidelines. He is never allowed the time to explore the conflicting emotions of his character, or to build any serious heat for the love story.
But then even quality ensemble Japanese cast members such as Hiroyuki Sanada (last seen in The Wolverine) and Kou Shibasaki (of Battle Royaler fame) are given little to work with.