Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Western meets Eastern - Viewer wins, 23 May 2004
This is a must see film, the script, acting, action scenes, photography and special effects all blend together to make an enthralling film that held me effortlessly and convinced me of the reality of the time and place portrayed.There has been some criticism about this film, mainly revolving around the voiceover of Algren (Cruise) reading from his diary. Ignore it, whilst it does evoke memories of Kevin Costner and Dances with Wolves, it also takes you directly into the mind and heart of Algren and adds to the viewer's ability to emphasize with this character. Tom Cruise is very convincing as the world weary, angst-ridden survivor of the American Indian Wars who having gone to Japan as a mercenary finds a reason to live and a measure of peace in Japan. Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto takes us into the world of the Samurai and the Code of Bushido that they adhere to and makes us understand why both are so important to him and thus why he acts the way he does. This is a man who holds honour dear, not only his own honour but that of his country and his Emperor and no matter the cost, he will uphold that honour. There are thrilling and violent battle scenes in this film and they are a visual and bloody metaphor for the changes being forced upon a reclusive and inward looking society by both the perceived need for modernisation and the greed of those who stand to gain most from that process. Although the film is an action thriller that is well done on every level there are quieter more reflective moments within it, among these are the delicately and beautifully portrayed interactions between the various characters as they change and evolve throughout the film. If you are only going to get one action moveit this year make it this one you will not be disapointed.
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53 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best movie I've seen this year!, 10 Dec 2003
The Last Samurai is a thrilling epic drama set in 1876 Japan, starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. Cruise plays US army Captain Algren, who has been filled with disgust at the cruelty he and his comrades have inflicted against Indians. He accepts a post in Japan to train their newly formed army in the ways of modern warfare. He is captured by his enemy, Katusmoto (Watanabe) and taken to his village, where he comes to understand and appreciate the Samurai's values.
This is such a beautiful film. It has lots of heroic battle scenes, but they are balanced by quiet vignettes where Algren leans the language and culture, and begins to take part in village life. The traditional Japanese way of life is shown to have many virtues. "No matter what their calling," he says, "everyone spends his day in the pursuit of excellence." The ideals of honor, duty, tradition, and respect fill the story with grace and elegance.
Cruise gives an excellent performance, but I was even more taken with Ken Watanabe, who plays the title role. He combined ultimate power and quiet elegance to create a memorable character. The photography and music make a truly lovely epic. I recommend this film to history and war enthusiasts, as well as those who appreciate the quiet dignity of old Japan. It is a lovely film.
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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Its been so long since Tora, Tora, Tora!, 7 Mar 2004
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. Based loosly on the Satsuma uprising of 1986/7, The Last Samurai uses typical poetic licence in changing the facts, but that doesn't really matter. Whether the protaganists were the Americans, or (in reality) the French, the story is primarily about the strength of character of the Japanese warrior and the code of honour which trancends race and is relevent to true warriors of all races. This is a truly memorable film.
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