Rating: 
Summary: blew me away
Review: This movie just blew me away. I went to see it twice in the movie theatre and I've been dying for it to come out on DVD so I can see it again! I don't know a whole lot about this time period in Japan, so I can't comment on the historial accuracy or inaccuracy, but I have to say that from what I do know a lot of the Samurai customs are portrayed accurately as far as know. Accurate or not, this is a fabulous movie from the acting to the musical score... everything about it says five stars in my opinion. Now... having said that... I just hope they release this on fullscreen. Not all of us own widescreen TVs!
Rating:
Summary: Great film.
Review: I would like to start by saying, that in my opinion, it was slightly presumptuous of the writer, whomever he/she might be, to throw a white man in the midst of the demise of the great and mighty samurai and to have him effect that demise in the way he does. Moreover, I'm not positive but I think there where a few historical inaccuracies in the picture. For instance, as far as I know, a type of sword belonging solely to ninjas did not exist. However, despite these trifling details, this is a truly wonderful film, absolutely dazzling, and I give it five out of five stars. I would recommend it not only to those interested in Japan, samurai, and all you war movie fans, but to any one looking to see a really good film!
Rating:
Summary: Oscar Worthy All the Way!
Review: "The Last Samurai" was a story about a man who changes the way that he feels about a certain type of people in Japan. It stars Tom Cruise, but to me he was not the star of the film. I feel that the movie had most of its power from the supporting actor Ken Watanabe. The way that he acted throughout the movie could give him the Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor Catagory. The entire movie could win many different awards, and I'm glad that Tom Cruise was not nominated, because I have seen him in much better roles, like "Minority Report," or "Vanilla Sky." His great scene comes towards the end, where he gives emotion and power at once.Cruise plays Captain Nathan Algren, a Civil War hero who loves to drink. He's recently come from battling American Indians in the west, and often had bad memories of what took place during those battles. But Algren gets a job when Japanese businessman Omura wants him to train the new army, with somebody that he knows Bagley. Bagley wants Algren because of the way that he battled the Indians. Algren agrees when he is able to bring his fellow Army fighter Sergeant Zebulon Gant. When they make it to Japan, they are met by the translator Simon Graham, and they begin to train the troops for battle. But Omura wants them to fight the samurai and their leader Katsumoto right away, and overrules Algren causing him to take his inexperienced troops to battle the Katsumoto. Algren is almost killed during the battle, but taken back to Katsumoto's village, which is ruled by his son. Algren is trapped, and there is no way for him to be able to return back to Japan. While with Katsumoto, he learns all about the way of the samurai and he finds out that there is nothing wrong with the people that Omura wants to kill. But it also becomes clear that Bagley is getting ready to fight. Algren befriends Katsumoto, and the two learn that they have much more in common then they oringally thought, and it becomes clear to Algren what he must do. "The Last Samurai" was a beautiful film. It had a beautiful sceney, beautiful action, some beautiful acting, and beautiful direction. I really did love it, and I am including it on the best of 2004, only beause I saw it at the very beginning of this year. This is one of those movies that you have to see in the theatre, otherwise it is not going to be an good. It is a big screen movie, and I have a feeling that I would have been disappointed if I saw it on video first. Try and see it now, before it totally disappears. ENJOY! Rated R for strong violence and battle sequences.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!!!!!
Review: This movie is great, and I would give it 10 stars if I could. It's one of the best movies i've seen with Tom Cruise in it. In fact, it's probably one the best movies i've seen. The story is great about an American becoming a Samurai, learning all of their customs, the language, how to fight with a sword rather than a gun, and fall in love with the wife of the Samurai he killed early in the movie. I would recomend anyone to see this great movie that has great action and fighting but also has funny parts, sad parts, and happy parts. I'm defiently pre-ordering this movie whenever I see it online. This movie will be the best $5 you'll ever spend.
Rating: 
Summary: Cinematographer's triumph - otherwise, standard adventure
Review: The battle-hardened, cynical outsider who finds refuge, solace & identity in a strange & alien culture is a theme that has been explored many times by Hollywood. "The Last Samurai" offers nothing new in its interpretation of this theme, save setting it in 1870s Japan. Neither is Japanese culture & society of the time given meticulous enough treatment to call it accurate, nor is the protagonist (an alcoholic ex-Indian fighter named Nathan Algren) unique enough to hold your attention for too long. Well, it may not be new, but it works. This has a lot to do with the breathtaking camera work - apart from the CGI enhanced scene of the port at which Algren arrives in Japan (fake! fake!), the visual impact of the movie is stunning. Eerily masked & armored horsemen charging through a forest shrouded in a ghostly fog, picturesque fields laid out like carpets blanketing the rolling mountainside, minimally furnished houses and buildings that manage to somehow give off an air of warmth, comfort and security... the camera speaks its own lines on every frame. The story of a renegade samurai leader's fight to uphold his & his men's honor in the distinctly samurai fashion meshes well with the visuals of the movie, and the battles are well choreographed, if a little far-fetched. In all fairness, Edward Zwick has come with a pretty good, mainstream movie. It has enough adventure to supply goose-bump moments at periodic intervals, and while the sight of Tom Cruise mastering kendo in a few short months will have purists of the Japanese fighting arts fuming in outrage, it does give the general public something to cheer on without analyzing too much. The love interest is present, though blessedly low-key. The Japanese cast comes up with sterling performances, and provide a lot of authenticity to some of the interpretations of honor, duty & respect provided by the movie. Overall, this is a movie that will catch your attention at first viewing. It lacks the staying power of true epic masterpieces like Lawrence of Arabia or the LOTR trilogy, but that shouldn't take anything away from its virtues. Just remember that its only a movie at the end of the day - NOT a documentary on the fall of the samurai in Japan.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: This movie was the greatest movie I've ever seen, it will continue to be my favorite movie for a long time. The war sequences were far better than any other movie like 'Saving Private Ryan'. The Last Samurai had better special affects and a most intriguing story. I loved the relationship between Algren and the Samurai class, the fight for survival in the newly modernized country Japan after 1868 when Meiji's reign as Emperor began. Its quite fascinating how this story, even though the character Algren and the dealings with the Americans were fiction how this story was so well drawn out. The character that portrayed the legendary Saigo, or "Dai Saigo" otherwise known as a fictional character as Katsumoto did such a dramatically important role, a role in which it took a strong will and personality to play. The honor and prestige that each warrior felt back in history was shown in the faces of the individuals that gave their time and skills into making this film historically memorable. I love to read about Japanese history, and I can say right now that they did a spectacular job in recreating the nation of Japan back in the times of Meiji. domo arigatou.....ja ne!
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Wisdom
Review: This movie is an exquisite masterpiece of cinematography and direction. The Academy missed its important message and passed on an excellent acting performance by Tom Cruise. Filmed in New Zealand it takes on the persona of 19th century Japan. The villages and costumes are so authentic that you are transported back into a beautiful time, with lush vegetation and a purity of living. The film is soothing and spiritual despite the battle scenes. Tom Cruise plays a civil war captain who has lost his integrity after fighting and killing Indians alongside of General Custer. He becomes a drunk wallowing in drink rather than deal with the guilt and trauma of war. A Shogun, working for the Emperor of Japan, employs his expertise in war to train the Imperial Army. During this time in history the Emperor was trying to modernize Japan and defeat the control that the Samurai had over his land. Because of the heartfelt beliefs of the Samurai's they rejected a modern Japan feeling as though a "western" culture would bring too much distance from true integrity. After watching this movie you may think differently about the enforcement of democracy on a culture steeped in ancient values. The battle scenes are epic and real, extreme attention is given to each and every detail. The warrior costumes appear historically accurate and a tribute to the Samurai culture. Cruise is captured in battle by the Samurai and eventually adapts to the culture that heals his integrity again. The sword fighting scenes are flawless and powerful. His adaption into this ancient society is impressively spiritual and he gains his belief in himself through code of the Samurai: Honesty & Justice, Duty & Loyality, Polite Courtesy, Compassion, Complete Sincerity, Heroic Courage and Honor. We could all use such healing. Although Samurai's have a place in history as brutal warriors and warlords this movie will give new meaning to their way of life. Is a true warrior someone who bombs individuals without looking his enemy in the eye or is honor to be found only through the way of the Samurai? It is an interesting concept to debate. Sometimes simplicity is the only honorable choice and quite possibly wars should only be fought by the code of these honorable men.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Samurai.....Not Dances With Wolves
Review: Okay, first off I want to say that this was a great movie, great acting and directing, great battle scenes and beautiful Japanese scenery. Many people say this is Dances With Wolves, yes the plot is slightly the same, but I watched Dances With Wolves, I have almost never watched such a boring movie, If The Last Samurai is this, it is certainly a much less boring version. And many people complain about how Tom Cruise doesnt die at the end, well 'It was not his time' as Katsumoto explained numerous times in the movie. And the reason the children and Taka fall in love with Tom is that they forgave him for killing their father/husband, they beleived they where both warriors that did their duty on the field, and they certainly believed that their way of life was worth fighting for. I would think that the way of the samurai or Bushido was worth fighting for, especially back then. As Tom said 'What could be more necissary?'
Rating:
Summary: Good flick -- could have/should have been better; so-so DVD
Review: "The Last Samurai" is a beautifully shot film that everyone seems to have thrown themselves into with gusto, but the movie somehow lacks the "oomph" that would have propelled it into the cinematic stratosphere. The result -- a darn good movie that, with two exceptional aspects, will not be considered a classic (and it could have been!). Directed by Edward Zwick (of the magnificent "Glory"), "Samurai" tells the story of Civil War hero Capt. Nathan Algren (Cruise, in an earnest performance). The story's parallels to Kevin Costner's "Dances With Wolves" are well-documented, but overstated -- Americans have forever been encountering "new" cultures (that have been around for centuries), and it's reasonable to deduce that many Americans (even given our stereotypical egotism, boorishness and hypocrisy that Hollywood loves to play up) would become enamored of these different cultures. It's 1876. Algren, a self-hating drunk, blows his last chance as spokesman for the Winchester rifle company, but is offered the job of going to the Orient to "kill Jappos." The first Japanese who speaks is a despicable character, fat and bewhiskered, who has obviously sold out to Western ideals. He stands in stark contrast to the first Japanese we see, Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe, who steals the movie), the Samurai lord -- we see him in his tranquil village having a vision of a tiger in a scene of stark, lethal beauty. Katsumoto, an honored advisor to the Emperor, is holding out against the Westernization of Japan. The Fat Japanese Man, also an imperial advisor, has isolated Katsumoto and has apparently steamrolled the Emperor, a young man clearly not up to his imperial obligations, to open Japan to the West. The goal is obviously to line the pockets of the Fat Japanese Man, and America is eager to get involved in the Westernization of Japan in order to exploit lucrative weapons contracts. Can you see where this is going? "Samurai" has a very predictable plot, but that should not have prevented it from making a powerful emotional statement. After all, we know how Hamlet is going to wind up, and it's still an emotional roller-coaster. "Samurai" certainly gets a lot of the visual elements correct -- the early battle scene involving the cavalry charge of the samurai through the mists, as if emerging from their own mythology, is a triumph. But overall the film lacks an emotional core that is necessary. Part of this responsibility must lie at Cruise's feet. It's not for a lack of effort -- Cruise obviously threw himself into this movie with everything he has. He is just a poor choice for narrator of this particular story. For one, Cruise does not abandon his anguish at any point in the story. (In this sense, he's similar to the casting of Leo as the lead in "Gangs of New York" -- too surly to be of much interest.) Contrast Cruise's performance with Costner's in "Wolves" -- Costner achieves a stronger emotional connection with the audience than Cruise does (and that's surprising, 'cause I generally consider Cruise to be a superior actor). The other problem with the movie is that it just moves too darn fast through some important aspects of the story. For one, the complex problems with the Westernization of Japan should have been given greater depth, as should have the role of the samurai in Japanese society. We do spend a lot of time with in the samurai village, and we see how important it is to train with weapons. But we needed to see more about how the imperial advisors favoring Westernization have "sold out" their culture. By making Katsumoto the only hold-out without much further explanation, it's harder to see Hatsumoto has the honorable preserver of traditions and easier to see him as the last desperate man, too eager to hold onto traditions. Other details seem to have been missed. At one point, we see the horrible shame for a samurai who has his cherished top-knot hairdo cut off. But why is it never explained why Katsumoto has a shaved head? We presume that Katsumoto has the shaved head only because it looks good to the eyes of the Western audience, which is probably not going to find the traditional samurai hairstyle very attractive. (To be fair, in many other ways the movie gets the look and feel of the period very well.) Ken Watanabe's portrayal of Katsumoto is the movie's high point. A complex man, capable of great emotion within his samurai stoicism, Katsumoto is intrigued by Algren and learns much from him. Eventually becoming brothers in arms, Katsumoto and Algren strive to save the samurai and bushido, the samurai code. Overcoming diplomatic pressure, official ostracism, and a lethal ninja attack, Katsumoto fights a noble battle to its unfortunate and inevitable end. The climactic scene, the last battle of the Katsumoto's samurai against the Western-armed and trained imperial army, is awesome. Set beautifully against a backdrop of falling cherry blossoms, the samurai evoke their own "charge of the light brigade," and their sacrifice and refusal to submit is truly ennobling. It's sad that the rest of the film doesn't quite live up to its incredible potential. This movie dared to tackle a huge, powerful story, and in many ways it works. It just doesn't quite measure up to what it could have been. The DVD extras are OK -- many interviews and promos, with some interesting details about the art design, but there's nothing to "ooh and ahh" over. A decent DVD for a very good, but not great, movie.
Rating:
Summary: The Last Samurai
Review: The Last Samurai was certainly a surprisingly refreshing escape from the many senseless movies that've recently been released into theatres. The movie was beautifully shot, paying close attention to detail, plus even the acting wasn't as dreadful as I'd expected it to be. To add to everything, the writers even had the sense to put in little sequences of comic relief, whether you found it remotely funny or not... I thought the casting was fantastically done. It was interesting to see Tom Cruise playing such a role. Though not the best actor in the movie, he certainly did good enough of a job in developing his character throughout the course of the film. Ken Watanabe was excellent as Katsumoto. Also, I found it rather....different...when I found out that the lead actress, Koyuki, was 28 years old! Given the fact that so many "young" actresses are casted in movies these days (unless they are the starring role), I just found that fact interesting... Another good thing about this movie is that the Japanese characters actually speak Japanese to one another (there are subtitles, of course). There are numerous American films out there where peoples of different ethnicities end up speaking English to one another in the films, as opposed to their ethnic languages. This film, however, failed to follow that trend, which in my eyes made the entire atmosphere of the film much more authentic. Instead of the Japanese peoples speaking English to one another, the foreigner is forced to learn and adapt to the language of the Japanese instead. Of course, this movie wasn't always perfectly unscathed. Given that it's an American film, you just had to expect its few "Hollywood" moments. It's odd how Tom Cruise is able to defend himself from a gruop of samurais in the opening battle, and later degrades himself to a nobody when he fights against Katsumoto for the first time. Then there are the moments when everyone dies in a scene expect, you guessed it, good ol' Tom Cruise. Oh well, what's a Hollywood movie without these moments? Overall, I'd highly recomment this movie. Unless you absolutely cannot stand the mere sight or thought of Tom Cruise, I'm quite confident that most audiences will enjoy this movie
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