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From Amazon.co.uk
The Last Samurai gives epic sweep to an intimate story of cultures at a crossroads as Japan undergoes tumultuous transition to a more Westernised society in 1876-77. In America, tormented Civil War veteran Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is coerced by a mercenary officer (Tony Goldwyn) to train the Japanese Emperor's troops in the use of modern weaponry. Opposing this "progress" is a rebellion of samurai warriors, holding fast to their traditions of honour despite strategic disadvantage. As a captive of the samurai leader (Ken Watanabe), Algren learns, appreciates, and adopts the Samurai code, switching sides for a climactic battle that will put everyone's honour to the ultimate test. All of which makes director Edward Zwick's noble epic eminently worthwhile, even if its Hollywood trappings (including an all-too-conventional ending) prevent it from being the masterpiece that Zwick and screenwriter John Logan clearly wanted it to be. Instead, The Last Samurai is an elegant mainstream adventure, impressive in all aspects of its production. It may not engage the emotions as effectively as Logan's script for Gladiator, but like Cruise's character, it finds its own quality of honour. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, William AthertonDirector: Edward Zwick
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and rate it amongst some of the very best I have seen in the last couple of years.
Although one could claim the plot line is a bit formulaic, it's a formula that definitely works and the superb acting that brings the story to life is pure enjoyment. Cruise is outstanding but it is maybe with the top notch supporting cast that really makes this film stand out. Ken Watanabe is on top form making his character take you through a whole ride of emotions but best of all for me was the surprise appearance of both Billy Connolly and Timothy Spall, two of the finest ever British character actors.
Apart from that the locations are beautiful, the action scenes gripping and the storyline delicate but thrilling and told with a great deal of sensitivity.
If you missed this at the cinema, buy the DVD. You won't regret it.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I watched this film last night expecting to be very underwhelmed by Tom Cruise playing a Japanese Samurai - boy was I wrong!
The film is set around 1876 and Cruise plays the role of Nathan Algren, an army captain who is haunted by his memories of slaughtering a group of innocent Indian women and children and he relies heavily on alcohol to help him escape his demons. He is recruited to travel to Japan to help train their army so that they will be ready to defend the country and to defeat what they see as a threat from the last remaining Samurai. After being captured in battle Cruise is taken to live as a prisoner in a remote mountain village where his transformation gradually begins.
The film takes you on an emotional journey where you witness the beauty and simplicity of the daily life of the people in the village. You feel privileged to get an insight into the world of the Samurai and to gain an understanding of their beliefs, training and honour system.
Cruise plays his part incredibly well. He is utterly believable, tough, emotional and it is wonderful to see his character find peace within himself and a set of values with which he feels he can comfortably live with.
Ken Watanabe is superb at playing the role of the Samurai leader Katsumoto and Timothy Spall steals the limelight as an eccentric British writer and photographer - I loved him.
The battle scenes were not overdone as is so often the case with many movies. I felt both sadness as the Samurai army faced an enemy against which they couldn't possibly hope to beat and also pride at witnessing the bravery and courage as they faced their final battle.
A very memorable film and one which is definitely worth watching.
The film is set around 1876 and Cruise plays the role of Nathan Algren, an army captain who is haunted by his memories of slaughtering a group of innocent Indian women and children and he relies heavily on alcohol to help him escape his demons. He is recruited to travel to Japan to help train their army so that they will be ready to defend the country and to defeat what they see as a threat from the last remaining Samurai. After being captured in battle Cruise is taken to live as a prisoner in a remote mountain village where his transformation gradually begins.
The film takes you on an emotional journey where you witness the beauty and simplicity of the daily life of the people in the village. You feel privileged to get an insight into the world of the Samurai and to gain an understanding of their beliefs, training and honour system.
Cruise plays his part incredibly well. He is utterly believable, tough, emotional and it is wonderful to see his character find peace within himself and a set of values with which he feels he can comfortably live with.
Ken Watanabe is superb at playing the role of the Samurai leader Katsumoto and Timothy Spall steals the limelight as an eccentric British writer and photographer - I loved him.
The battle scenes were not overdone as is so often the case with many movies. I felt both sadness as the Samurai army faced an enemy against which they couldn't possibly hope to beat and also pride at witnessing the bravery and courage as they faced their final battle.
A very memorable film and one which is definitely worth watching.
40 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It seems that Hollywood (being quite obviously American) has kept its distance from high budjet films about Japanese culture over the years. Lets face it they have their reasons and don't forget that the old Japanese culture is quite alien to the average Westerner.
With The Last Samurai, the mainstream film makers have finally found a way of producing a quality film which demonstrates quite accurately the attitudes of the Japanese ruling factions of the time. Quite naturally, Hollywood create films to make money and The Last Samurai is no exception. However, as with other similar semi-historic films (e.g. Gladiator) it has been constructed with a care to detail and has embodied within its foundations the very attributes it wants to portrey, namely honour, compassion and indomitable spirit.
As a student of Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, including sword arts, I was pleased to see the accurate depiction of how a katana (Japanese longsword) is used in battle. I was deeply impressed with the efforts of all the actors to accurately use all the weaponry with such dedication. Cruise especially, worked very hard to learn to use the sword, as well as all the other work he put in.
One scene especially caught my eye, where Cruise is attacked in the street by a group of sword bearing attackers. Having spent several long months converting his fighting skills to that of the Japanese style (quite feasable for the dedicated warrior, even in such a short time) he is able to defeat his attackers. The reality of the use of the sword in the Japanese style, is that every second, one is half an inch from death. This was demonstrated with great film making skill.
This film is unmistakably American, but is made with sensitivity and respect for all concerned.... Read more ›
With The Last Samurai, the mainstream film makers have finally found a way of producing a quality film which demonstrates quite accurately the attitudes of the Japanese ruling factions of the time. Quite naturally, Hollywood create films to make money and The Last Samurai is no exception. However, as with other similar semi-historic films (e.g. Gladiator) it has been constructed with a care to detail and has embodied within its foundations the very attributes it wants to portrey, namely honour, compassion and indomitable spirit.
As a student of Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, including sword arts, I was pleased to see the accurate depiction of how a katana (Japanese longsword) is used in battle. I was deeply impressed with the efforts of all the actors to accurately use all the weaponry with such dedication. Cruise especially, worked very hard to learn to use the sword, as well as all the other work he put in.
One scene especially caught my eye, where Cruise is attacked in the street by a group of sword bearing attackers. Having spent several long months converting his fighting skills to that of the Japanese style (quite feasable for the dedicated warrior, even in such a short time) he is able to defeat his attackers. The reality of the use of the sword in the Japanese style, is that every second, one is half an inch from death. This was demonstrated with great film making skill.
This film is unmistakably American, but is made with sensitivity and respect for all concerned.... Read more ›
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Stacey Frost
Format:DVD
Wow. This film absolutely blew me away. Surprisingly enough, I am not a great fan of Tom Cruise's work, so I was astounded by his acting in this film. It just goes to show what a brilliant script like this one can do for an actor. Cruise plays Algren, an American who goes from arrogant soldier to honorable samurai during a mission to eradicate the threat posed by said samurai. Whilst with the samurai, Algren learns their way of life.
As well as the undertones of honour and duty, this film is bursting with wisdom and beauty. The cinematography is excellent, and some shots in the film (ie the silhouetted Algren against a gorgeous Japanese sunset) are simply breathtaking.
The soundtrack provided by musical legend Hans Zimmer is spectacular, a true reflection of both mediation and warrior. The song 'Red Warrior' is just sheer brilliance, combining soulful Japanese flute, with strong emotive strings, as well as the spine tingling battle cries provided by Benjamin Hale.
Ken Watanabe also provides a wonderful contrast to Cruise as Katsumoto, the leader of the last samurai tribe. His wisdom and grace are portrayed beautifully, and there is no doubt in my mind that he should win an award for his role.
There must be something wrong witht this film, I hear you cry. Well, to put it bluntly, there's not. The battle scenes are simply breathtaking, the acting wonderful, the soundtrack fitting and the story beautiful in a dramatic way.
An astounding piece of cinematic genius. A must see for everyone.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely movie - classic
this film nearly gets me in tears, the music is amazing, the acting is great. The ending fight scene a little far fetched as in a burst of strength from the samurai even though... Read more
Published 27 days ago by mohammed khot
4.0 out of 5 stars
2 Disc Edition Speciale:everything you need,superb.
Wonderful film which successfully combines Japonese Samourai culture with the reality of warfare in the 20th century. Read more
Published 1 month ago by french bob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great value for money
New DVD no issues with watching . arrived quickly would recommended , loved this film, all in all great value for money.
M
M
Published 2 months ago by Marilyn
4.0 out of 5 stars
really enjoyable
this is a really good watch if you enjoy Japanese culture and war-type films..tom cruise does a good job and though some have argued that he doesn't fully convince in this film, I... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Hajra
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Service
Good quality - well packaged - arrived within days - would recommend using this buyer and I would use them again.
Published 2 months ago by Jacqui Whittaker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good film
Great film which will one day be called a classic. Not the best plot but well acted. A great Sunday afternoon film.
Published 2 months ago by E
1.0 out of 5 stars
o ultimo samurau
Não posso emitir nenhum comentário porque mão recebi o blu-ray ou produto até o momento dia 10/03/2013 as 23:11minutos.
grato Inacio Boueres
grato Inacio Boueres
Published 3 months ago by Inacio da Cunha Boueres
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film
I would recommend this film. It is well scripted with plenty of action and good dialogue. Not just another blood and guts fighting film.
Published 3 months ago by Keith Ellis
4.0 out of 5 stars
steelbook
This Blu-ray steelbook quality is good!
And region free is convenient to play in every Blu-ray Player!
I would recommend this product to my friends!
And region free is convenient to play in every Blu-ray Player!
I would recommend this product to my friends!
Published 4 months ago by WONG WAI NGAI
5.0 out of 5 stars
super movie
loved the movie, must buy the sword, got a 3ftx2ft poster, sound track, photo footage framed with pic, and the movie a nice little collection, thank's.
Published 4 months ago by kevin jenkins
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