The Last Samurai (Widescreen Edition)

Rating:
Summary: The Essence of the Samurai
Review: Honor. Integrity. Loyalty. And Bushido (translated to, "way of the warrior"). What place do these hold in life and all it encompasses. Warner Bros. "The Last Samurai" attempts to depict the epic and time age tale of traditional norms versus a new and modernizing society.

The story takes place in Japan. However, not Japan as we know it today, but just as it was emerging from its bloody, feudal cradle. A feudal bloodbath entailing Japanese ways of life no more than 150 years ago.

"The Last Samurai" begins with a Japanese empirical advisor who needs the samurai eliminated in order to finish his railroad. At first the samurai are viewed as imperial rebeliests; "barbarians" with no sense of what is right and wrong. The advisor hires an American Civil War veteran, Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), and for $500 a month he trains a small army of men to fight the samurai. But when the samurai attack a railroad construction village the advisor becomes impatient and orders Cruise's superior officer Colonel Benjamin Bagly (Tony Goldwyn) to lead the small and unprepared force against the samurai. The skilled and experienced samurai easily overpower the unpolished army and take Cruise as their prisoner. Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) the group leader of the samurai, along with other agendas, wishes to "know his enemy."

Cruise eventually grows to love the simplicity and stillness of the samurai way of life. He adopts the concept of Bushido (Japanese for "way of the warrior"); a theme that flows compassionately throughout the film. Over the course of a year he learns samurai ways, their fighting methods, and even eventually begins to learn their language. But when his new found life is threatened by the old, he chooses to fight with the men he once considered his enemy.

Tom Cruise plays Nathan Algren, a downtrodden Civil War veteran who douses his troubles in alcohol. He suffers from flashbacks that give Cruise's character a sense of shame and weariness. And while Cruise's performance is exceptional even he cannot take precedence over the grandeur and scope of what "The Last Samurai" does symbolize. The death of an era, and the usherance of technological assimilation.

Asian actors Ken Watanabe (Katsumoto), and Koyuki (Taka), play their roles brilliantly; and while their dialogue is not as numerous as Cruise's, their actions speak for more than themselves. Katsumoto, is a proud, thoughtful, and an integrible samurai leader. For more than 900 years he and his ancestors have protected the ways and honor of his people. He and Cruise periodically converse in philosophical meetings sprinkled with humor. Taka shines as Cruise's caretaker. However, very early in the movie we find out that Taka is a widow of a samurai that Cruise has killed in battle; an enigma that lends a sense of depth and responsibility to both characters roles throughout the movie.

Perhaps one of the more historical points is the weakness of the Japanese Emperor, Meiji, played by Scichinosuke Nakamura. At this point of Japan's history, the Emperor became more of a figurehead, controlled by a group of economist advisors only wishing to fatten their wallets. But this is portrayed in more of a symbolic matter throughout "The Last Samurai."

Both the complexity and simplicity of "The Last Samurai," enjoy ubiquity throughout the film. There is never a moment in which both must not be weighed equally. With every scene there is a sense of duty and honor, while there is at the same time enjoyment in the stillness of life. A concoction of artsy filmography and articulating background music allow the plot to encompass all aspects of the movie; never will a moment take precedence over the plot or all that it strives to facilitate. The facts of the matter are perhaps best but in a quote from the movie:

Algren: "Life in every breath . . ."
Katsumoto: "That is Bushido"

All in all I would have to say "The Last Samurai" will be going on my all time favorite list. Never have a watched a movie with such compassion and dedication towards one fervor. Every fight scene is not without purpose, and a message. And the action does not sway the viewer from the movie's ultimate and undeniable essence.

Several comparisons by other film critics have compared the movie to "Lawrence of Arabia," and "Dances with Wolves," in which the westerner becomes infatuated and then eventually assimilated into the natural culture; I even noticed several parallels to "Glory," which was also directed by Edward Zwick. And while these aspects may have lended something to the movie, simply enjoy it for what it is; volumes could be written on the parallels to Akira Kurusawa's "Seven Samurai." No matter how many similarities there may be, there are just as many original concepts to be beheld.

The only one complaint I have is the "Hollywood" ending. Hauntingly familiar to "Dances with Wolves," it was ending that did not seem befitting of such a cinematic masterpiece. However, I would have to say that it is worthy of any notable DVD collection.

After the movie was over and the credits began their usual scroll, I noticed that nearly half the people in the audience sat there while the other half stood and enjoyed the music. I would like to think that they remained in deep contemplation and awe of all that this movie put into essence. I know I did . . .

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Fabulous
Review: I saw the Last Samurai the other day. I was absolutely uninterested from the moment I saw the previews in the theatre... it's kinda like "Pearl Harbor" or "The Alamo"... those movies that, while they are making it, you know that their all thinking how amazing they are and how their portrayal of said time in history is going to be spectacular, what with their stars staring off into space or "acting" as they refer to it (loosely, I would hope), their overly dramatic storyline and that climactic line of "The can never take away our freedom" or something equally eye-rolling. (In my opinion, the worst-case scenario of these is Seven Years In Tibet)

The concept of the Last Samurai was an expectedly offensive one... taking Tom Cruise's mug and slapping it on some warrior, do-gooder whose gonna save the samurais... Yes, like anyone from America could be that cool. I reluctantly followed my parents to the theatre and, then, only because they were going to pay for my ticket.

Incredible. It was so moving and so terribly real that I still can't believe what I saw and am anxiously awaiting my brother and sister-in-law's arrival to Detroit so that I can see it again.

Tom Cruise's acting was terribly compelling and I found that was because his character was truly placing himself in a submissive role. Usually, these movies have your Americans fighting until the end and, once captured, learning "to fight" because that is the point of martial arts. The character in this movie took on the religious and spiritual aspect of the Samurai life as well and was ready to learn all, accepting that, in retrospect, he really knew nothing about the soul and about the course of his life. It's as if this movie took a broken man and gave him a reason to live and a memory of why that was worthwhile.

I was also deeply appreciative of the love story aspect. None of these midnight interludes, kissed shared in a bed with the kids sleeping in the next room. You could see the affection showing in their movements and their speech... but there was no gratuitous sex or any promise of some at any point in the movie. There was one simple kiss in the last quarter of the movie when she was strapping him into his battle gear, at which the girl jumped back after a moment and the continued the put on his armor, with a very loving- not embrace, but her resting her head on his back. Very tender, very moving and very real for me.

The other impressive thing about the movie was, yes, that the good guys didn't really win because that isn't a new idea... but that you saw the way America influenced these countries and how they stripped them of their honor; that the idea of shooting people with a cannon or a machine gun and engaging in a sword battle of an art, thousands of years old should be no contest as to which one bring more honor to the armies. That was also a very poignant moment in the movie.

I think the only thing that stopped this movie from being invincible is the US cripple... the main character just can't die. If this movie were actually made by Asian directors, everyone would have died. Look at Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Asian director. That is the way that film makers portray life in Asia; no misconceptions... if you get shot three times, stabbed a few more and thrown from a horse (which lands one you), you will die. I am sorry but that is the truth and I really wish that Cruise had died with his teacher, the leader of the Samurai (whose death was also a bit Americanized. (Can I get an amen?)

Ultimately, I can't wait to see this movie again and I am hoping against all hope that, the next time, Cruise drops like a fly (hey, I give him props for a job well done but he's still got a long record against him in my book).

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie
Review: Tom Cruise plays the role of Captain Nathan Algren, an American soldier who has become disillusioned with his life (he starts to regret the fact that the only thing he is good at seems to be killing). He reluctantly accepts a position to train an army of Japanese transcripts to use Western fighting techniques to combat the Samurai. He is ultimately captured by the Samurai, who need him as a source of information about their enemy.

As a captive of the Samurai, Nathan learns the ways of the Samurai and their people, and eventually learns to respect their philosophy about honor and service.

Rating:
Summary: Sags in the middle
Review: In THE LAST SAMURAI, Tom Cruise plays Nathan Algren, a self loathing, alcoholic, Civil War vet just fired from giving demonstrations of Winchester rifles. A former comrade (Billy Connolly) gets him a job training the new Japanese Army to fight against the samurai, who are rebelling against moderization. Algren is captured by the samurai and becomes an ally of Katsumoto (Ken Wantanabe), the samurai leader.
I'm not a huge Cruise fan, but I do think this is one of his better performances. He seems to have a knack for displaying self-disgust (MAGNOLIA) and he taps into it here. The film's first act is its strongest part. Cruise is believably decrepit, and the opening battle, where the samurai swoop down on the frightened Japanese soldiers, is haunting. Indeed all of the action scenes are very well put together.
In the film's middle section, Cruise learns how wonderful it is to be Japanese and follow the way of the Samurai. This seems to consist of walking around, meditating, and practicing swordfighting. Cruise and Wantanabe have several metaphysical conversations, and Wantanabe performs with wonderful wit and economy, but nothing happens for far too long.
THE LAST SAMURAI is entertaining, if a bit bloated, and contains several superior action sequences.

Rating:
Summary: Better than I thought it'd be
Review: I wasn't too sure about the movie at first but now i'm really glad that i went to see it. It shows an insight on what how the samurais lived, their beliefs and their values. The main storyline, shown through focusing on the uprising of the samurai against rapid modernization, is the journey that is taken by tom cruise's character. He goes from the disillusioned American soldier who has lost all meaning of what he was fighting for after killing innocent Native Americans to finding peace with himself and discovering something worth giving his life for. The acting was superb, the storyline was riveting, the landscape was beautiful, the music was captivating, and the battle scenes...bloody? (i didn't see much...i was hiding behind my soda). on a shallower note, fans of legolas...in this movie, you will find a japanese legolas! kyaa! kyudo! ^_~

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!!
Review: This Movie by far is the best movie I have ever seen in my entire life!!!!! No kidding! Its about damn time they came out with a movie like this! I'm surprised to see Tom Cruise in it for I had under estimated his acting abilities! I give him as well as Ken Watanabe great props!!!! They are truly wonderful actors and now one of my most favorites..... I cant tell you how great this movie was! It moved me in sooooo many ways... Ways as in the movie having parts that were funny, a lot of actions parts, and the best of all the dramatic parts... I like seriously cried 3 times!!! And I havn't done sooo in a long time when watching a movie!!! That just tells you how more powerful this movie is!!! It takes you there with all the Japanese Samurais and gives you another perspective on that kind of people.... Leaving the movies had me at a higher respect and a new look at the Japanese culture! for I give a lot of respect to them and what they've done!!!

This movie has been definitly life changing for me and I recommend it to Everyone!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Mainstream Movies really stink....
Review: Standard "Dances with Wolves" ripoff story with Cruise playing the same type of character that Kevin Costner did in the earlier mentioned movie. Script is tedious and never flows along well. Cruise once again shows us why he can't act, and everyone else in this movie acts like they have nothing better to do. Typical mainstream movie garbage.

Rating:
Summary: mistermeech
Review: The movie was a solid B. For a movie that Tom Cruise doeesn't have sex with the female lead, it was entertaining. Disappointing how the movie ended, but that's real life...historically. The way of the sword...some of that was captured in the film...what's life without honor?

Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars
Review: This film was a bit long, but really quite interesting. While I wouldn't say that Tom Cruise or any of the actors for that matter gave an oscar performance, this film was interesting in the way it contrasted West and EAst. Moreover, the film's main character Nathan Algren seems resistant to the West and its ideals as he is haunted by memories of fighting the "Indians." Through his interaction with the samurai, he comes to realize the rootlessness of the West. The West seems bent on doing, while the samurai focus on being. It is through Algren's observations of samurai connection between mind and body that he finally rejects the West and its ways. This film was also interesting in its rich symbolism, and of course I was glad that there was no gratuitous sex scene. Sure, some films might call for sexual displays, but this film wasn't one of them.

Rating:
Summary: The Last Samurai is brilliant!
Review: "The Last Samurai" is one of this year's best movies! It is brilliant and poignant, with emotional and brilliant performances by Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, and the rest of the cast. Tom Cruise is Captain Nathan Algren, a man who is conflicted by the past by a very serious incident that happened during the Civil War. He is offered a job in Japan, where he is going to train the emperor's soldiers. But, when they are pulled into combat early, that is when during the soldiers' first attack that Algren is captured by the Samurai and kept alive by Katsumoto, played by Ken Watanabe. That he is where he learns about his enemy and gets enlightened by them and decides to stay with them. Timothy Spall plays Simon Graham, a translator and photographer who is with Algren in this magificent journey. Billy Connolly plays Zebulon Gant, a dear friend of Algren. Tony Goldwyn plays Colonel Bagley, a comrade and enemy of Algren's. This is a brilliant movie with a powerful story and a powerful word about how you look at things and you think at what they should be. Edward Zwick's directing is brilliant. The costume design by Ngila Dickson is splendid. The production design by Lilly Kilvert is incredibly beautiful. The film editing by Steven Rosenblum and Victor du Bois is excellent. The cinematography by John Toll is brilliant. The music by Hans Zimmer is powerful and brilliantly excellent. The story & screenplay by John Logan, Marshall Herskovitz, & Edward Zwick is emotionally powerful and brilliant. Go see this movie and it might inspire you and make you think about things in perspective. See it before you see "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" in theaters everywhere. I enjoy this movie because it was a little different than some people expect. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys these kinds of movies. Even a person who isn't a Tom Cruise fan will probably enjoy it as well.